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Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Dorsal Skin of Hamsters: a Useful Model for the Screening of Antileishmanial Drugs
Published on: April 21, 2012
Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iraq.
Abdulghani Mohamad AlSamarai1, Hussein Saher AlObaidi
1Department of Medicine, Tikrit University College of Medicine, Tikrit, Iraq. galsamarrai@yahoo.com
Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
|September 17, 2009
Summary
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in Alhaweja, with 45 cases per 10,000. Secondary bacterial infections affect 42% of CL lesions, highlighting its impact on disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a significant parasitic disease.
- Understanding its incidence and associated infections is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Alhaweja District.
- To identify and characterize secondary bacterial infections in CL patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective survey was conducted at Alhaweja General Hospital's dermatology clinic.
- Clinical diagnosis, biopsies, IgM level determination, and bacterial cultures were performed.
- Data collected from October 2004 to April 2005.
Main Results:
- 107 CL cases were diagnosed; incidence was 45 per 10,000.
- Secondary bacterial infection was present in 42% of lesions, with Staphylococcus epidermidis being most common.
- Giemsa stain showed 73% positivity, while cultures were positive in 43%.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in Alhaweja.
- Secondary bacterial infections complicate CL, potentially increasing skin destruction.
- Giemsa stain is a highly sensitive diagnostic test for CL.
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