First survey of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Borujerd county, western Islamic Republic of Iran

ABSTRACT

Lorestan province in the Islamic Republic of Iran has not previously been known as a focus for cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL]. Clinical and epidemiological studies were carried out on patients diagnosed with active CL at the central laboratory in Borujerd city during 1998-2010. A total of 137 patients with corroborated CL were studied [mean estimated annual incidence 4.36 per 100 000 inhabitants]. The malefemale ratio was > 111. Patients ranged in age from 8-63 years but > 70% were aged 21-40 years and only 1 was upper limbs [69.3%] was significantly higher than other locations, and more cases were dry sores [57.7%] than wet sores [42.3%]. The majority of patients [61.3%] had a single active lesion [mean 1.8 ulcers per patient]. This is the first report of CL in the area