Epidemiologic aspects of cutaneaus leishmaniasis in Hajiabad, Hormozgan, Iran (2003)

Introduction: Zoontic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is one of the most important vector-born diseases in Iran, transmitted by phlebotominae sandfiles and its foci exist in different parts of the country. In Hormozgan province, south of Iran, cataneous leishmaniasis mainly reports from Hajiabad, Banda-Lengeh and Kahoorestan. This study is conducted to investigate epidemiology of leishmaniasis in Hajiabad. Methods: In an epidemiological study that was conducted to determine the situation of the disease in Hajiabad, 306 families containing 1392 inhabitants of the rural district (48.4% male and 51.6% female) were examined. One percent of the cases had active lesions and 8.3% showed scars. Isolated parasites from three locally infected humans were injected to nine Balb/c mice that produced acute lesion in two animals (22.2%). The results of PCR test confirmed leishmania major as the disease agent in the area. The data was analyzed using Chi-square statistical test. Results: Primary survey on the probable reservoir host(s) in the area, using live Sherman traps on 11 rodents from Gerbillidae family demonstrated 2 species of  Tatera indica (54.5%) and meriones persicus (45.5%). All trapped animals were negative to be infected with leishmania parasite. Conclusion: This investigation showed that zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) due to L.major exists in Hajiabad. The most probable vector and reservoir host of the disease in the area are P.papatasi and T.indica, respectively. More studies are needed to isolate the parasite from them.