Evaluation of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Central and Southern parts of Sistan and Baluchistan province during April 2008 to March 2014.

Background: Leishmaniasis is caused by parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania. This disease is neglected as a major public health problem because it is not a fatal disease. More than 20000 cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases are reported annually in Iran. Based on Iran health ministry statistics, incidence rate in Sistan and Baluchestan province was 14 - 36 /100000 in 2011.

Objectives: In this study, we tried to evaluate the incidence trend and epidemiology of CL in Sistan and Baluchistan province to provide better interventions.

Patients and Methods: This was a historical cohort study on population covered by Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. We evaluated all coetaneous leishmaniasis epidemiological data from April 2008 to March 2014.

Results: During our six years study, we observed a significant decreasing incidence trend. Totally, 2863 CL cases were registered. Risk of disease in men was 1.4 times more than women and in rural areas was 2.9 times more than urban. Most patients were in age group below 5 years. Main CL centers were around Zahedan city and around Chabahar city and Konarak city.

Conclusions: Decreasing trend during recent six years reflects a partial success in leishmaniasis control, but update data regarding geographical CL distribution can guide our intervention effectively.