Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master Student of Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran

2 Professor of Parasitology, Leishmaniasis Research Center & Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

3 Instructor, Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

4 Instructor, Leishmaniasis Research Center & Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

5 School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran

6 Master in Medical Parasitology, Leishmaniasis Research Center, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Background and aims: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is still a health problem in the world, including Iran
where its cases have significantly increased in recent years. The objective of this study was to assess a new
focus of anthroponotic CL in rural communities after the earthquake in Bam district.
Method: After the report of the provincial health authorities, this study has been carried out in the summer of
2008 in Dehbakry region, Bam district, Kerman province in southeastern Iran.
Results: Overall, 3884 individuals consisting of 1913 females (49.3%) and 1971 males (50.7%) were
physically examined for the presence of active lesions or scars. The overall prevalence rate was 5.3%; 6.3%
in females and 4. 3% in males with no significant difference. Most of the infection was in age group ≤10
years (9.3%) and the lowest in 21-30 year group (2.9%). The prevalence rate was significantly (P<0.001)
higher in native residents (4.1%) than in non _ natives (1.1%). Most of the lesions were on the face (47%),
and hands (34%). The majority (78%) had one lesion. Most of the cases had occurred during 2006. PCR
technique revealed all 26 examined cases as Leishmania tropica.
Conclusion: All the cases have occurred after the earthquake and simultaneously with epidemic condition in
the city of Bam. Traveling from endemic areas of Bam to this locality could be the main factor for
establishment of this new ACL focus. 

Keywords