An eco-epidemiological study of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Dezful, Iran, during 2004-2011

Background: Due to annual increases in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in different regions of Iran and the resulting health problems and high economic costs, this study was performed with the aim to determine the prevalence of CL in Dezful city, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on all patients who were directly referred to clinics and clinical laboratories of Dezful city during 2004-2011. Age, sex, occupation, and area of residence of the patients were recorded.  Biopsy was conducted on patients who had suspicious lesions. The biopsy was evaluated by a parasitologist using Giemsa staining, and then, light microscopy. Results: The number of CL cases was 1192, among which 64% were men and 36% were women. Among them, 592 people lived in rural areas and 600 people lived in urban areas. Most cases of disease were in the age group of 20-29 years (35%). The maximum prevalence of disease was observed in 2008. Most cases of the disease were in the military occupational group with a frequency of 366 cases. Furthermore, most cases occured in the months of November and December. Conclusions: Considering the prevalence of CL in the study area in different years, it is necessary to take effective and comprehensive public health measures to control and prevent the spread of this disease.