EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS CASES IN RAMADI

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a significant public health issue in Iraq and worldwide, caused by two types of parasites, L.major and L.tropica, which lead to different ulcers. Materials: The study was conducted at Ramadi Teaching Hospital and dermatology clinics from October 1, 2022, to March 1, 2023. It included 120 suspected cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Demographic data was collected using a form. Purpose:The purpose of the study was to analyze the demographic distribution of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in terms of sex, age, residential area, and the type and number of lesions, as well as to determine the seasonal variation of the disease. Results: Out of 120 patients, 66 were males (55%) and 54 were females (45%), with no significant difference in infection rates between sexes. The ages of the patients ranged from 1 year to 60 years, with an average age of 31 years. The highest infection rates were observed in the age groups 1-10 and 21-30 years, while the lowest rates were in the age groups 41-50 and 51-60 years. Infection rates were significantly higher in rural areas (59.2%) compared to urban areas (40.8%). The highest infection rate according to months was in January (35.8%), and the lowest was in October (5.9%). Wet lesions were more common (51.7%) than dry ulcers (48.3%). Patients with 2-3 ulcers had the highest percentage (41.7%), followed by those with a single ulcer (37.5%), and the lowest percentage was for those with more than 5 ulcers (9.2%). Conclusions: The study found that cutaneous leishmaniasis affects both sexes with a slight predominance in males. The disease is more prevalent in younger age groups and in rural areas. There is a significant seasonal variation in the occurrence of the disease, with the highest rates in January and the lowest in October. Wet lesions are more common than dry ulcers, and the majority of patients have 2-3 ulcers. These findings can help in the development of targeted public health strategies for the prevention and control of cutaneous leishmaniasis.