Detection of cutaneous leishmaniasis in three communities of Oti Region, Ghana.

• Main Authors: Richard Akuffo (Author), Carmen Sanchez (Author), Carmen Chicharro (Author), Eugenia Carrillo (Author), Naiki Attram (Author), Mba-Tihssommah Mosore (Author), Clara Yeboah (Author), Nana Konama Kotey (Author), Daniel Boakye (Author), Jose-Antoni (Author), Javier Moreno (Author), Michael Wilson (Author), Bismark Sarfo (Author), Francis Anto (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2021-05-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<h4>Background</h4>Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common type of leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania. In Ghana, some studies in the Volta region have detected Leishmania parasites among persons with skin ulcers.<h4>Methodology/principal findings</h4>Using a cross-sectional study design, the prevalence of CL in three communities of the Oti Region of Ghana was investigated. Demographic and epidemiological data were obtained by a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. A total of 426 (12.4%) out of 3,440 participants screened had at least one skin ulcer. Of 595 skin ulcers sampled and tested by PCR for Leishmania infection, 150 (25.2%) ulcers from 136 individuals tested positive, accounting for an overall CL prevalence of 31.9% among persons with skin ulcers. Individual community CL prevalence of 23.2%, 29.8%, and 36.8% was observed in Ashiabre, Keri, and Sibi Hilltop respectively among persons with skin ulcers.<h4>Conclusions/significance</h4>Confirmation of CL in the study area suggests an active cycle of transmission of Leishmania infection. The observation of skin ulcers which tested negative to Leishmania infection suggests a need to test for additional causes of skin ulcers such as Treponema pallidum pertenue and Mycobacterium ulcerans in the study area.

Item Description

1935-2727
1935-2735
10.1371/journal.pntd.0009416