ABSTRACT
Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that is endemic in many countries in the world including Pakistan
Objectives: To determine the frequency and distribution of cutaneous leishmaniasis among suspected cases visiting various tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar
Subjects and Methods: This was a descriptive study in which a total of 320 clinically suspected people of cutaneous leishmaniasis visiting Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar and Kuwait Teaching Hospital were enrolled. This study was conducted from Sep. 2008 to Feb. 2009
Results: Out of 320 enrolled patients, 223 were found positive for cutaneous leishmaniasis during the study period. Prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis was higher in local population [73.06%] than in Afghan refugees [58.66%] visiting tertiary care hospitals. There was an increased burden ofinfection among children of 0-9 years while lowest prevalence was recorded in adults above 50 years of age. Prevalence was significantly higher amongst males [76.47%] as compared to females [57.75%]
Conclusion: There is high prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis among suspected cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan and younger population is mainly affected. Prompt measures are recommended to control this disease