Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Nigeria.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic skin infection endemic in various tropical and subtropical regions.
• Understanding the epidemiology of CL in specific geographic areas is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and demographic characteristics of cutaneous leishmaniasis among dermatology patients in Kaduna, Nigeria.
• To identify potential risk factors or affected populations within the study area.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of dermatology patient records at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria.
• Data collection spanned a 9-year period (October 1979 - August 1988).
• Inclusion criteria focused on patients diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Main Results:

• Twenty-one out of 18,000 dermatology patients (0.1% prevalence) were diagnosed with CL.
• The age range of affected individuals was 14 to 50 years, with a peak incidence in the 14-25 year age group.
• Over half of the CL patients (52%) were students residing in government colleges within Nigeria's leishmaniasis belt.

Conclusions:

• Cutaneous leishmaniasis represents a low but present burden in the dermatology patient population of Kaduna, Nigeria.
• Young adults, particularly students in endemic regions, are a key demographic affected by CL.
• Findings underscore the importance of targeted surveillance and prevention strategies in leishmaniasis-endemic zones.