The Body Locations of Leishmaniasis in the Targeted Population of Pakistan

• Main Author: Farhan Mir Shaikh Shaikh (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: ziauddin University, 2024-05-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a skin infection caused by a sand fly bite, is most prevalent clinically in Pakistan. The initially caused nodules (bumps) may become ulcerated, have a long healing time, and may re-occur multiple times. This study identified the body areas most affected by Leishmaniasis in our target population.  Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the leishmaniasis clinic Institute of Skin Diseases Sindh Karachi (ISDSK), from July 2022 to June 2023. A standard questionnaire recorded demographics and site, location, and number of lesions. The diagnosis was confirmed by a Slit Skin smear showing Leishmania. The ANOVA was used to determine the mean difference between the variables and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 138 patients, 87 (63%) were females and 51 (37%) males. The most common site of involvement was lower limb and feet at 44(32%) followed by face and neck at 37(27%), upper limb at 37(27%), and multiple sites at 20(14%). Majority of patients had single lesions 72(52%) followed by, two 34(25%), three 9(6%) and four or more in 23(14%). A comparison of lesions in gender, revealed, that males had 17(33%) on upper limbs, while females had 31(35%) on lower limbs. Comparing body locations province-wise, in Sindh predominant was lower limb 41(34%) whereas face in Balochistan 6(35%). Conclusion: CL's most infected locations were face & neck and lower limbs of the body. Comparing gender, females were more affected. This is an increasing public health problem and requires attention of authorities, to fumigate the pandemic areas.

Item Description

10.36283/PJMD12-4/014
2313-7371
2308-2593