The epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Golestan Province, Iran: A cross-sectional study of 8-years

Abstract

Background: Leishmaniasis occurs with an incidence of 0.5–1.5 million new cases annually, and is also endemic in 88 countries across the world. Aim: Presently, we aimed to investigate the status of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) in Golestan Province in North of Iran. Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted on existed data of 6873 patients with CL who attended to Health Centers in Golestan Province during 2010 to 2017 years. Data were collected using patient sheets and online registry form of CL. Descriptive statistical methods such as mean and standard deviation, and Chi-square test were employed to report and analyze results. p-Value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: CL cases were more common in men 3885 (56.7%) than women 2965 (43.3%) (p = 0.001). The most and least cases was reported in 2017 and 2104 as 18 and 3 CL cases, accordingly. CL was mainly happen in the November (3816 cases), December (2832 cases) months. Presently, CL gradually increases in the last three years from 2014 to 2017 years. Conclusion: Decrease of exposurement, improve the nutrition and child's immunity can be more beneficial. Keywords: Cutaneous, Incidence, Leishmaniasis, Registries