Cutaneous leishmaniasis: An epidemiological survey in Iran during 2013-2015

Background and Purpose: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in different parts of Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Zarrin Dasht, Fars, Iran, during 2013-2015.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on 266 patients selected through census sampling method. Data such as gender, age, occupation, disease season, location of scar on the patient’s body, and place of residence were gathered using a checklist and analyzed through descriptive statistics and nonparametric methods.

Results: In this study, the majority of the patients were female (58.3%) within the age group of 0-5 years (66.2%), living in rural areas (53%). The highest incidence rate was observed in autumn (49.2%). The majority of lesions (49%) were observed in face.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that cutaneous leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Zarrin Dasht, and it annually infects numerous people. Although the disease process has been declining during 2013-2015 in this region, this disease is still a health hazard and needs to be managed.