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INCIDENCE OF CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN Al-AHSA, SAUDI ARABIA FROM 2011 TO 2013

Yosuf Yaqub Alarfaj, Nouh Ibrahim Alghanim*, Ridha Hussain Alkhalifah, Meshel Salah Balghonaim , Mohamed Bahgat Ali

Background: Different studies showed a fluctuating incidence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) cases in correlation to age, gender, ethnicity, area, and season in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Aim of the study: We aimed to study the epidemiological trends of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Materials & Methods: In this retrospective study, data gathered from the Vector Control Unit was analyzed. All the reported cases starting from 2011 to 2013 were included in the study. The total number of cases were 761. Results: The findings clearly showed an increase in the incidence of CL in the study years from 2011 to 2013. The number of cases started to increase in December and reached its peak in January. We found exceptionally high incidence in some districts e.g. Al-Jarn (471/100,000). The incidence was significantly (P<0.05) higher in nonSaudis (73.4/100000) than in Saudis (10.3/100000), and in males than in females. The ratio of the non-Saudis to Saudis was 7:1. The general ratio between males and females was (7.2:1). The male to female ratio was (2.8:1) in Saudis, and (27.03:1) in non-Saudis. The mean age was (29.68±13.6). The distribution of CL showed variation among non-Saudi nationalities with Indians, Egyptians, Bangladeshis and Nepalese more affected. Conclusions: There was an absolute increase in the cases of CL in Al-Ahsa from 2011 to 2013. Since non-Saudis are more susceptible to the disease, there is a need to increase awareness among non-Saudis. In addition, control measures should be concentrated towards the areas with exceptionally high incidence. Keywords: Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous, Al-Ahsa, Incidence, Saudi Arabia.

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