New endemic focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Pakistan and future epidemics threats

ObjectiveTo get a clear epidemiological picture of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a new endemic focus, in order to address the most probable epidemic threats and its spread to the neighboring regions.MethodsA total of 870 clinically diagnosed patients were included in the study after taking consent and filling questionnaires from each individual. The field Giemsa-stained slides and cultures were examined microscopically. The data was organized in tables and graphs and analyzed using statistical package SPSS V 21.ResultsThe ratio of male was higher than females (499:371), cutaneous and mucocutaneous cases were 96.00% and 4.00%, and only 25.20% patient's used bed nets. A total of 57.10% had dirty places near their homes. Similar cases in the neighborhood and in families were 48.50% and 67.10% respectively. Only 87.35 % of Patients in the age range of 1–20 years received treatment. Up to five lesions per individual were noticed and 72.20% of them had symptomatic secondary infections. The lesions were observed on different sites of the body.ConclusionsLeishmaniasis is neglected in Landi Kotal Khyber Agency, the reasons being prevailing security situations and political sensitivity. North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces in Afghanistan are in contact with Afghanis and with local people of Landi Kotal for logistic purposes. They may act as carriers in co-spreading of the species. There are potential risks of cross border transmission, with the probability of future epidemics in the surrounding regions.