Prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Lower Dir District (N.W.F.P), Pakistan

Abstract

Back ground Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a common disease in northern areas of Pakistan.Objective To determine the prevalence of CL in Lower Dir and its correlation with age, sex, site and number of lesions.Patients and methods A total of 224 subjects of different age groups were examined. Of the total (224) individuals, 50.89% were found positive for CL. The prevalence of leishmaniasis was also examined in relation to age, sex, site of involvement, number of lesions and nature of the lesions.Results The prevalence of leishmaniasis was 55% in local population and 45% in Afghan refugees (p>0.05). The prevalence of leishmaniasis was the highest in the 1-15 year age group (43.8%) than older age group. The prevalence of leishmaniasis was higher in males (60.5%) than in females (39.5%), with male to female ratio of 1.5:1. The lesions were more frequent on face (34.2%) than the other sites of the body. The majority (56.70%) had single lesion, with a mean number of 2.14 lesions per case (range 1-10 lesions). 58.10% patients presented within first two months (range 1- 8 months). The wet lesions were observed more frequently (81.3%) than dry type (18.7%). Also the prevalence rate in patients, previously treated with antimonial drugs was found lower (18.86%) than untreated patients (60.81%).Conclusion Prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis was similar in local residents and Afghan refugees, both sexes and age groups. Wet type is more frequently seen than dry type and usually presents as single lesion.