Cutaneous Leishmaniasis among Immigrants in Iraq

Background and objectives: To determine the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Al-Yarmouk teaching Hospital among immigrants who leave their own homes due to war and terrorism. Methodology: A retrospective survey was performed in the out patient clinic of Al-Yarmouk teaching Hospital.  All patients who presented with clinical features of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) at the dermatology department were enrolled in the study during the period from September 2014 to the end of June 2015 who were documented in the hospital's records which includes their address because an increasing number of cutaneous leishmaniasis was noticed. Compared to number of patients having cutaneous leishmaniasis during the period from September 2013 to the end of June2014.The provisional diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis was dependant on clinical experience but biopsies were performed for questionable cases..Results: A total of 170 cutaneous leishmaniasis were diagnosed during the study period with the immigrants representing 70% of total cases.Compared to a total of 73 patients recorded for the same period of time during the previous year.The highest number of cases was recoded during February2015 , while the lowest number was recorded in December2014. Conclusions:An increasing number of cutaneous leishmaniasis ( CL ) was noticed among Iraqi immigrants due to their unhealthy and crowded environment where they were forced to live because of war and terrorism. Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, iraqi immigrants.