AN OUTBREAK OF CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN THE LOCAL POPULATION OF DIR UPPER, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused
by intracellular parasitic protozoans
belonging to a genus of flagellate protozoa
called Leishmania. More than 25 species of
the genus Leishmania are present worldwide
in which several species are pathogenic to
humans. In many cases, cutaneous infection
is formed but some species cause
subcutaneous or deeper tissues and visceral
infection. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a skin
disease caused by Leishmania topica. This
disease is transmitted by sandflies. The
disease is endemic along the entire Western
border of Pakistan. During the present
research, the samples were collected from
infected people in different areas of Dir
Upper. A total of 548 samples were
collected among which 346 (63%) were
positive cases. In the infected people, 297
(86%) were from the local population and 59
(14%) from Afghan refugees. A total of 235
(68%) males and 111(32%) females were
affected. The high prevalence rate (48.5%)
was noticed in the age of 11-20 years old
people. The prevalence rate between the age
of 0-10 was 29.1%. The low prevalence rate
(13.6%) was noticed in the people over 30
years. Mostly one lesion was noticed in
affected people (69%). The patients with
two lesions were 22%. The numbers of
affected persons with more than two active
lesions were little in number i. e. 8.3%. Most
of the lesions were reported on the face
(36.1%). The second affected part of the
body noticed in the study was hand (26.5%).
Most of the lesions were dry (81%). It is
concluded that a high prevalence rate was
observed. People’s awareness is very
necessary.