The prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran during 1976 to 2011

Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by various species of Leishmania protozoa, which are usually transmitted bythe bite of various species of phlebotomine sandflies. Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica is endemic in Iran, being the second most prevalent vector-borne disease in the country (after malaria),it presents in two forms of anthroponotic CL (ACL) and zoonotic CL (ZCL).Cutaneous leishmaniasis is still a great health problem in many tropical and sub-tropical countries including Iran. Leishmaniasis has an annual incidence of 0.5–1.5 million new cases and is endemic in88 countries throughout the world. About 90% of cases of cutaneous leishmaniasisare reported from seven countries including Iran. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in provinces of Iran between 1979 and 2011. The results of this study can be used for prevention and planning future control programs in this district of the world. The data of this descriptive study included the existing data regarding the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in different provinces which were reported to national health center between 1979 and 2011. The prevalence of the cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sistan and Baluchestan, Kermanshah, Khorasan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtyari, Tehran, Ilam, Isfahan, Ardabil, Hamedan, Yazd, Qom, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, lorestan and Kerman has been increased over time, while in Kordeatan has been declined. As well as the prevalence trend in the rest of the provinces remained fairly stable. Iran is an endemic country for ACL and Incremental trend of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in provinces of this country is so remarkable. This study provides a guideline for health managers to determine hazard regions of cutaneous leishmaniasis and to perform the healthy and precautionary measures and more efficient control program in this province.

کلیدواژه ها:

Iran ، leishmaniasis ، Prevalence