Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Analyses in an Endemic Focus in Southwest Iran (۲۰۱۶-۲۰۲۰)

Background: The cutaneous type of leishmaniasis (CL) has widespread growth. This research was conducted to explore the epidemiological characteristics of CL in the county of Shush in the Khuzestan Province located in the southwestern region of Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study was retrospectively conducted from ۲۰۱۶ to ۲۰۲۰. Patients’ demographics and medical history were acquired to some extent. The recorded data of patients with CL referred to Shush health centers were analyzed using the SPSS software (Chicago, IL).Results: Overall, ۲۰۲۰ patients were recorded from ۲۰۱۶ to ۲۰۲۰. Among Shush residents, the incidence of CL ranged from ۱۲۶.۲ to ۲۸۵.۸ cases per ۱۰۰ ۰۰۰ people. The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the number of people who got CL in Shush county (P < ۰.۰۵). Based on the results, a statistically significant correlation was found between CL and gender (including ۵۴.۷% males against ۴۵.۳% females, P < ۰.۰۵). CL was found in more significant numbers in the age groups under ten years old (۴۲.۶%) compared to the other age groups (P < ۰.۰۵).Conclusion: Shush seems to be a CL endemic hotspot based on the results of this research and other epidemiological parameters. The intensity of CL reports from this study and other epidemiological studies suggests that CL is more prevalent in Shush than in previous. The situation is extremely alarming; thus, it is highly recommended that adequate measures be taken to control and prevent the spread of illness.

Keywords:

Incidence , CL , Leishmaniasis , Shush , Southwest , Endemic focus