THE FREQUENCY OF OLD WORLD CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN SKIN ULCERS IN PESHAWAR

Authors

  • Saeedur Rahman
  • Fatima Humera Abdullah
  • Jamshaid Ali Khan

Abstract

Background: Old World Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (OWCL) is a preventable skin infection that leads
to morbidity and social isolation. It is spreading rapidly. The sore of OWCL may be a non-ulcerative
red papule, nodule or a large mutilating ulcer. The ulcer is typically painless and can leave a disfiguring
scar. Methods: This was a descriptive study. The diagnosis of OWCL was established by finding LD
bodies in skin smear preparation. Results: This study identified 1680 cutaneous leishmaniasis in 1767
skin ulcers. Children (n=924) were infected more than other age groups (n=756). There were typical
skin sore of OWCL in 1512 cases while 168 patients had atypical presentation. The ulcers were
painless in 1603 patients. History of insect bite was present in 1366 cases, thorn prick in 156 patients,
religious visit to endemic areas in 256 patients, and 4 patients had post surgical non healing wound.
Lesions with 4 to 6 months of age had a maximum yield of LD bodies. There were 498 patients from
different areas of Peshawar; 688 cases from leishmania endemic belt of FATA while 89 patients came
from other urban and rural areas of NWFP. Conclusions: There is a tremendous increase in cases of
OWCL and the disease became endemic in many regions of Pakistan. The bordering areas along
Afghanistan have constituted an endemic belt that had invaded the neighboring urban and rural areas.
Several chronic non healing ulcers had been diagnosed as OWCL. Many cases have been detected in
Peshawar. People need education about the nature of the diseases and the efficacy of personal
protective measures. Spray with suitable insecticides is required in all residential areas.
Keywords: Leishmaniasis, sand flies, amastigote, non-healing ulcers, disfiguring scar

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Published

2009-09-01

How to Cite

Rahman, S., Abdullah, F. H., & Khan, J. A. (2009). THE FREQUENCY OF OLD WORLD CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN SKIN ULCERS IN PESHAWAR. Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad, 21(3), 72–75. Retrieved from https://jamc.ayubmed.edu.pk/index.php/jamc/article/view/3221

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 3 (2009): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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