Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sadda, Kurram Agency, Pakistan

Abstract

Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in the tribal belt borderingAfghanistan .This study was carried out to determine the demographic and clinical pattern ofthe disease in Sadda , Kurram Agency.Patients and methods CL patients presenting to leishmaniasis clinic of Tehsil HeadquarterHospital, Sadda from 1st November, 2003 to 30thMarch, 2004 were included in the study. Thepatients were diagnosed clinically and confirmed by laboratory confirmation of parasites in aGiemsa-stained smear prepared from the lesion. All important clinical details were recordedon a specially designed proforma and patients were registered for the purpose of treatmentand a card was issued to them for subsequent visits and follow up.Results A total of one hundred and fifty patients with 325 lesions were seen during a periodof five months. Dry type of cutaneous leishmaniasis was seen in 120 (80%) patients and wettype was noted in 30(20%) patients. Most of the lesions (98%) were present on exposed partsof the body. Sixty (40%) patients had one and 75 (50%) had two lesions. More than twolesions were seen in 10% of patients. Eighty per cent of sufferers were less than 30 years ofage. The disease was more common in males (70%). Family history was positive in 45 (30%)patients. History regarding traveling to Afghanistan was negative in most of the patients(98%).Conclusion CL is endemic in this part of tribal belt . Both type of CL is prevalent among thelocal p opulation.