Epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by Leishmania species is a prominent neglected tropical disease globally, posing substantial public health challenges. This study explores the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, geographic distribution of CL cases, and role of travel to endemic areas contributing spread of the disease to urban centers like Karachi.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted from July 2019 to February 2024, enrolling 525 patients with confirmed CL diagnoses at a leading dermatological hospital in Karachi. Demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, lesion characteristics, and travel history were collected. The chi-square test was used to compare travel history to endemic areas between individuals from Karachi and those from other regions.

Results

CL predominantly affected younger age groups, with 35.5% of cases occurring in individuals aged ≤10 years. Male patients accounted for 65.1% of the cohort. Lesions were predominantly located on exposed body parts (96.3%). Most patients in this study were from Baluchistan (49.7%). In Karachi, 37% of patients reported a travel history to endemic areas, whereas only 2.17% of cases from other regions had traveled (P < .001).

Conclusion

The findings underscore the need for region-specific prevention and control strategies, enhanced surveillance, and public health initiatives to mitigate the spread of CL.