Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Endemic Regions and Epidemiological Characteristics of Cases Declared at University Hospital Center of Tlemcen, Algeria, 2012-2016

Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a widespread parasitic disease and a public health problem worldwide. It is an endemic and notifiable disease in Algeria. Our objective was to know the epidemiological characteristics and to determine the endemic regions of the CL in the town of Tlemcen. A descriptive study was conducted with a prospective collection over five years, from 2012 to 2016, based on the systematic declaration of CL cases received from the various departments of the University Hospital center (UHC) of Tlemcen. Data entry and analysis was done by Epi-info 6 software. Thirty-four cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis, 27 of which are autochthonous were reported at the UHC of Tlemcen during 5 years with a female predominance; sex ratio (h/f): 0.79. The most affected age group was 40-50 years old. Six cases occurred in children under 16 years, 80% of the reports were received by the dermatology department. The highest peak was recorded in 2013; autumnal predominance was noted in 30% of cases. All patients lived or had been in endemic areas. Vector control campaigns must be reinforced to fight against leishmaniasis in the town of Tlemcen, also, the improvement of habitat conditions for populations at risk.

Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in North Africa and Its Threats to Public Health: A Statistical Study Focused on Djelfa (Algeria)

“…Since the 1980s, CL incidence has spread in North African countries, mainly in Algeria, where cases range from 10,000 to 40,000 per year [1,10], making this country among the most affected by CL. This vectorborne disease is reported in several regions from the north to south and east to west of Algeria [12,20,37,47,[67][68][69].…”

The State of Practicing Traditional Methods and Their Effects on Individuals With Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Turkey

“…The global mean age-standardized disability adjusted life years (DALY) recorded for CL has been calculated as 0.58 per 100,000 persons (14). In addition, when the effect of CL scars is taken into account, the actual burden of CL has been estimated to be 10 times greater, and the number of people living with these scars has been estimated to be 40 million (2,15). Therefore, this disease, which is hyperendemic in Şanlıurfa, requires high priority in terms of public health.…”