Epidemiological survey and geographical distribution of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in North Khorasan province, ۲۰۰۶-۲۰۱۳

Background and aims: Leishmaniasis is a widespread problem, especially in the tropical and subtropical countries. Since understanding the epidemiologic and geographical distribution of the diseases is necessary for prevention and controlling the Leishmaniasis. This study was conducted on epidemiological survey of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in North Khorasan Province, using Arc GIS Software during the years ۲۰۰۶-۲۰۱۳. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data of the Leishmaniasis patients between the years ۲۰۰۶-۲۰۱۳ were collected from the different districts of North Khorasan Province. The gathered data were analyzed by using SPSS۱۶ statistical software and chi-square test. Results: Data concerning ۲۸۳۱ patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis were collected. The maximum outbreak of the disease occurred in ۲۰۱۱ and the minimum occurrence was reported in ۲۰۰۸. The mean age of the study population was ۲۲.۸۰ ± ۱۸.۰۸ and the maximum cases of infection were observed in age group of ۱۶-۳۰ years. ۵۸.۶% of the patients were male and ۵۳.۵% of them lived in the villages. The maximum infection of the disease was observed in Esfarayen with ۱۰۹۵ people (۳۸.۷%). There was a significant relationship between the gender and age of the patients and cutaneous Leishmaniasis (P<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: In this province, Leishmaniasis is more epidemic among men of ۱۶-۳۰ years of age, villagers and laborers. These factors have to be necessarily considered in prevention and controlling programs. 

Keywords:

Cutaneous leishmaniasis , Epidemiology , Geographical Distribution