Trends in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Erbil, Iraq: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites and transmitted to humans through the bite of infected phlebotomine sandflies.

Methodology: This study aimed to assess the trends and distribution of reported human CL cases in Erbil province, Iraq, from 2020 to 2022, and to analyze the impact of demographic factors and potential risk factors on disease distribution.

Results: Among the 136 reported cases of human CL during the study period, the median age at diagnosis was 35 years (range: 0–90 years), with cases equally distributed between males and females. Only 34.65% of cases reported a travel history prior to infection, while the majority acquired the infection locally within the province. The main hotspots were the Center of Erbil and Makhmur districts, accounting for 44.09% and 38.58% of the cases, respectively. An increasing trend in cases was observed over the study period. The number of lesions per patient ranged from 1 to 35, with a median of 2, and was positively associated with age. The hands were the most affected body site (36.57%). Among occupational groups, housewives constituted the largest proportion of cases (34.38%).

Conclusions: Human CL is endemic in Erbil province, Iraq, with an increasing number of reported cases. Health authorities should prioritize control measures in high-risk districts, particularly the Center of Erbil and Makhmur, and implement targeted therapeutic and epidemiological interventions.