Epidemiological features of cutaneous leishmaniasis in North Khorasan Province in Iran: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate the trend and epidemiological status of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the North of Khorasan province, Iran from 2014 to 2022. Methods: This a cross-sectional study collected and analyzed the information of 849 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) through the health center portal from 2014 to 2022. The relationship between sex, number of lesions, and lesion shape was investigated. Results: Totally 849 participants were included and their mean age was 23.0 ± 20.2 years. The most common parasite species found was Leishmania major ( n =714, 84.1%). The number of CL in Esfarayen County increased from 2014 ( n =83) to 2022 ( n =147) and was more prevalent in men than in women. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the number and shape of lesions between men and women. Conclusions: As leishmania major is the predominant type in Esfarayen County of Iran and the number of cases is increasing, it is important to control the reservoir and disease vector in this area. Therefore, a more comprehensive surveillance is suggested.