Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
11:36
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 Turkey].
Mehmet Salih Gürel1, Yavuz Yeşilova, M Kirami Olgen
1İstanbul Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Dermatoloji Kliniği, İstanbul, Türkiye. msgurel@gmail.com
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi
|July 18, 2012
Summary
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a parasitic skin disease, is spreading in Turkey due to migration and inadequate vector control. A national strategic plan aims to improve disease control efforts.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Parasitology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease causing long-term skin lesions, endemic in Anatolia for centuries.
- Caused by Leishmania parasites, CL presents with various regional names and is a notifiable disease in Turkey.
- Historically concentrated in Southeastern Anatolia, CL cases are increasingly reported from other Turkish regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological trends of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Turkey.
- To identify factors contributing to the spread of CL within Turkey.
- To evaluate the potential impact of a national strategic plan on CL control.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Ministry of Health official records of CL cases from 1990-2010.
- Identification of geographical distribution and trends in CL incidence.
- Assessment of contributing factors including migration, vector control, and public health neglect.
Main Results:
- Between 1990-2010, 46,003 new CL cases were reported in Turkey, with 96% from specific provinces.
- Şanlıurfa province, previously reporting 45% of cases, shows a decreasing trend, while other regions report increasing incidence.
- Factors such as population migration, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient vector control, and patient/institutional neglect contribute to CL spread.
Conclusions:
- Internal migration and urbanization are key drivers of CL dissemination from endemic areas in Turkey.
- Ineffective vector control and lack of patient treatment exacerbate disease spread.
- Implementation of the 2011 national strategic plan is anticipated to enhance CL control effectiveness.
