Determination of infection rate of cutaneous leishmaniasis among patients attending dermatology hospitals in Khartoum.

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic disease in Sudanese patients presented to Dermatology hospital in Khartoum. Objectives: The present study is intended to extrapolate data on the occurrence of CL among patients attending the Dermatology Hospital in Khartoum. Methods: This was observational cross sectional laboratory based study. Clinical examination of people attending Dermatology Hospital in Khartoum during 2020-2022 revealed various dermal infections. Samples included all patients attended during the period of study. Among such patients those presented with cutaneous lesions were selected and asked for participation. Then investigations for confirmed CL were performed. Results: The study showed that except for few cases 5 (8%) most of the clinically examined cases were positive for (CL) caused by Leishmania major, the most affected age group was (28-40) years. Comparison of infection rate among soldiers and non soldiers, it was higher in soldiers (60%) than non soldiers (40%). The results indicated that age and occupation may have impact in the prevalence of the disease. These are considered as new findings regarding Sudanese patients. Conclusion: On the basis of positivity, patients coming from Darfour had more rates of CL than other states, this can be attributed to several factors such as fly abundance and inadequate vector control.