Risk assessment of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis cases among manual workers in Egypt

Abstract EN

The Egyptian endemic foci of cutaneous leishmamasis were mainly in the Sinai Peninsula.

To study the epidemiological characteristics of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in special groups in endemic area in Sinai, a descriptive study was conducted to assess the risk of cutaneous leishmania within spreading places in Sinai among special groups working in endemic areas, during the study period from January- December 2015.

All patients in the study setting described before were submitted to clinical examination and history taking based on epidemiologically linked diagnosis.

Their total number was (124) cases divided into (85) patients locally treated and (39) patients referred to central hospital.

The results showed that (85.5%) was in middle education class, had stable work (87%) and working in manual services (91.1).

A total of 58.1% slept outdoor at the dusk time (54%).

Three quarters (75.8%) didn't use insect repellant and 56.55 didn't use bed nets.

Sandy ground, mountain and desert surrounds geographic environment (100%, 97.6% & 96%) respectively.

They lived in one floor buildings (85%), dormitories habitat (98%), soiled (92%), have cracks on the wall (60%), ceiling made of wood (74%) and fence was not available in majority of buildings (96.8%).

Disfiguring was commonest complain in 55% of cases.

The lesions (85%) were ulcers (2x2cm in size (51%), at lower limb (55%) and two in numbers in (50%).

All cases were treated with fluconazole and 8.9% was cured.

Stibogluconate was given to 91% and with cure rate of 53%.

Both Cryotherapy and laser therapy was applied to 16% of cases.

Treatment cured 87% but 39.5% suffered scar complications with main sequelae (15.3%).