Abstract

Abstract Introduction: As Lieshmaniasis is considered as a huge hygienic problem and since epidemiological studies are effective in controlling this disease as well as taking prevention steps, the present study aims to assess the incidence rate of cutaneous lieshmaniasis in Chabahar, Sistan and Baluchestan within 2008-2010. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study has been conducted on the victims of cutaneous leishmaniasis during previous years in health centers of Chabahar, by extracting the demographic and epidemiologic information, recorded in Chabahar health centers, as well as analyzing the study data via SPSS software (ver, 18). Results: Out of total victims of cutaneous leishmaniasis under the study, the total incidence rate was reported 114 and 90 cases/100000 person-years, respectively, in males and females. The highest total incidence rate of the disease was in the age range of birth to 4 years )incidence rate of 196 cases/100000 person-years( and the lowest one in the age range of 5 to 9 years )incidence rate of 70 cases/100000 person-years(. Most damages (wounds) were observed in the hands and feet. Moreover, the majority of the patients had two wounds )incidence rate of 66 cases/100000 person-years(. The studied patients were Iranian and Afghani with the majority belonging to the former. A sum of 241 patients (37%) lived in cities, whereas the remaining 412 patients (63%) resided in the villages. Moreover, the highest incidence rate of the disease was reported in winter (2008) and the least one in autumn (2010). Conclusion: As the study results revealed, disease incidence rate in Chabahar during 2008-2010 had a descending trend, which can indicate an improvement in educational-hygienic status as well as observance hygiene practices by the people. Keywords: Chabahar; Cutaneous leishmaniasis; Epidemiological feature

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