International Journal of Dermatology
Leishmaniasis
in Yemen: a clinicoepidemiological study of leishmaniasis in central
Yemen
1.
Mohamed A. Al-Kamel
MD*
Article first published online: 6 NOV 2015
© 2015 The International Society of
Dermatology
Abstract
Background
Leishmaniasis
is a serious public health problem in Yemen.
Objectives
This
study was designed to identify clinical and epidemiological features of
leishmaniasis in Yemen.
Methods
The
study was conducted at the Regional Leishmaniasis Control Center in central
Yemen. Data sourced from the medical records of 152 patients with confirmed
active leishmaniasis, managed during April–August 2013, were analyzed.
Results
A
total of 94.1% of patients were rural residents. Al Bayda was the most endemic
governorate (59.9%). Children represented the group at highest risk (57.2%), followed
by adult females (32.9%); together these groups accounted for 90.1% of all
patients. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis was the most prevalent form (49.3%),
followed by cutaneous leishmaniasis (47.4%), and visceral leishmaniasis (3.3%).
The wet ulcer was the most common type of lesion (49.7%) and the single lesion
(69.4%) represented the most common presentation. All patients were ignorant of
the nature of the disease, and 55.9% had a history of using “popular”
treatments.
Conclusions
Cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral
leishmaniases have significant endemicity in Yemen, especially in central
areas. Al Bayda is the governorate with the highest endemicity, and rural
children and women represent the populations at highest risk. Mucocutaneous
leishmaniasis seems to be the most prevalent form and a single wet ulcer is the
most common presentation. Infected refugees may represent new foci for
imported Leishmania species. Ecology, geography, climate
change, cultural gender- and age-specific duties, urban night activities, and
use of popular treatments are among proven risk factors.
How to Cite
Al-Kamel,
M. A. (2015), Leishmaniasis in Yemen: a clinicoepidemiological study of
leishmaniasis in central Yemen. International Journal of Dermatology.
doi: 10.1111/ijd.13041
Author
Information
1. Regional Leishmaniasis Control Center,
Sana'a, Yemen
* Correspondence
Mohamed A. Al-Kamel, md
Regional Leishmaniasis Control Center
PO Box 12692
Sana'a Yemen
E-mails: dralkamel@hotmail.com and www.RLCCye.org
Mohamed A. Al-Kamel, md
Regional Leishmaniasis Control Center
PO Box 12692
Sana'a Yemen
E-mails: dralkamel@hotmail.com and www.RLCCye.org
1. Funding: None.
2. Conflicts of interest: None.
Link:
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| Overall prevalences of leishmaniasis by sex and age group |
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| Destructive mucocutaneous leishmaniasis ulcer complicated by nasal perforation in a female child |
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| Prevalences of different clinical forms of leishmaniasis by age group |
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| Diffuse form of leishmaniasis in a 120-year-old woman |
