The Economic Burden of Cutaneous Leishmaniosis: Report from a Developing Country

Considering the high prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in tropical and subtropical countries and the urgent need for an economic approach to the treatment sector, this study aimed to investigate the economic burden caused by this disease in Northeast Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 3558 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis whose data were registered in the disease surveillance system at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. The disease care model was designed from the stage of suspected disease to diagnosis, treatment, treatment/care of disease complications, treatment/care of drug side effects, disease recurrence, and drug resistance. Then, the direct costs were calculated.

Overall, 7.5 billion Rials (equal to $750,000) have been spent on providing health care services to 3558 patients with leishmaniasis. The per capita cost of diagnosis/treatment of the disease was 1,600,100 Rials (equal to $160), the per capita cost of care/management was 505,902 Rials (equal to $50), and the per capita cost of cutaneous leishmaniasis disease was calculated as 2,106,002 Rials (equals to $210).

Leishmaniosis has a considerable economic burden on society and the healthcare system. Considering that the predisposing factors are avoidable, it is possible to reduce the economic burden by using less expensive and effective solutions.