Epidemiological Status of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Different Colonies of District Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the occurrence of leishmaniosis in certain colonies of District Dear Ismail Khan in the KP province of Pakistan. The diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis may be quickly and readily confirmed by directly examining an impression smear taken from the lesion. The smear was stained using either Giemsa or Wright stain. The amastigote type of the parasite is readily identifiable both within and outside active lesions. The diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis was confirmed by detecting the presence of the leishmania parasite in a Giemsa smear, together with the consideration of demographic information and physical indicators exhibited by the patients. 205 cases were collected from OPD of the dermatology unit of DHQ Hospital Dear Ismail Khan. Data was collected from Dec 2023 to May 2024. For 06 months period, 205 positive cases were identified. In this study, all cases were of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The commonly affected age group was 16-30 years (44.3%) and more males were among this group. The presence of CL infection poses a significant health risk to the local people of District Dear Ismail Khan. The findings of this study might assist health authorities in promptly addressing this little ailment. In addition, the healthcare department should organize seminars and awareness efforts for the local population.