A survey of anatomical location of lesions in endemic focus of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Jajarm County, North Khorasan Province, Northeastern Iran 2009-2017

Background: Leishmaniasis is among the neglected tropical diseases which World Health Organization (WHO) considered as one of the 10 most important parasitic diseases in tropical areas. Jajarm is considered as one of the endemic foci of Leishmaniasis. This study carried out to determine one epidemiological aspect of leishmaniasis in Jajarm County North Khorasan Province.Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of people with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis based on anatomical location of lesion on the body which could be an important epidemiological aspect of the disease.Materials and Methods: This study was performed on patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis who referred to health centers, clinics, outpatient clinics and hospitals of Jajarm County during 2009-2017. After necessary tests and confirmation of the disease, their information was recorded in the patients specific forms.Results: Over eight year period of study 629 individuals diagnosed with leishmaniasis. The number of wounds in terms of anatomical location of lesion on the body were 91 on the head and neck (14%), 21 on the main core (3%), 202 on the face (32%), 34 on the thighs (5%), 39 on the feet (6%), 40 on the legs (6%), 29 on the forearms (5%), 23 on the arms (4%), and 149 on the hands (24%). The most frequent wounds were on the face, hands, and head and neck and the least wounds were observed on the main core.Conclusion: As the results show, mosquito bites are more common in open areas or areas with less coverage. Leishmaniasis lesions are commonly seen in the bare areas of the body. Thus, depending on the traditions and the way of clothing in different regions, the organs with the most lesions are various in different parts of the world and even in one country. Increasing awareness of the choosing the appropriate clothing in endemic foci, can be a deterrent against the spread of the disease.