Evaluation of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Cases in the Southeastern Border of Turkey in Recent Years

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, is an infectious disease endemic to many countries, including the Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey. The number of cases in this region has surged due to factors such as the Syrian civil war, migration, overcrowded living conditions, malnutrition, decreased sanitation, and delayed diagnoses. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate adult CL patients.

The patients admitted to the Leishmania Diagnosis and Treatment Centre from Jan 2019 to Jul 2023 were included to the study. Diagnosis was made by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained samples from the serous fluid of cutaneous lesions, identifying the Leishmania amastigote form.

The cohort included 59 females and 41 males with a mean age of 42.8±16.2 yr. The majority resided in urban areas (60%), with single lesions in 57% of cases and multiple lesions in 43%. No statistical difference was found in lesion count between urban and rural residents (P=0.408) or between genders (P=0.932). However, a significant difference in lesion characteristics was observed between Turkish patients and immigrants (P<0.001). Lesions primarily appeared as papules (44%) and nodules (36%), with extremities (65%) and head and neck (50%) being the most common sites. The most affected male age group was 18-29 yr (34.1%), while for females, it was 50-59 yr (27.1%).

CL remains a significant public health issue in the region, exacerbated by socio-economic conditions following the Syrian conflict. Therefore, updating epidemiological data, implementing vector control programs, and promoting disease prevention education are essential.