The distribution of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iraq: demographic and climate aspects

Background: Leishmaniasis is endemic in Iraq, where both cutaneous and visceral forms of the disease are reported. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and to identify associations of CL with age, sex, season, and provinces depending on some demographic and climatic aspects. Methods: This study is retrospective and includes reported cases of infections using the available surveillance database taken from the Iraqi Ministry of Health for the years 2011, 2012, and 2013 for all provinces of Iraq. Results: Men and boys were found to be at higher risk for CL compared with women and girls. The majority of cases were recorded among those in age groups 5-14 and 15-45 years old. Most cases were recorded from lowland provinces with moderate annual rainfalls and a high rural population. Conclusions: This study provides initial necessary data for public health specialists working to assess management approaches for the control of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iraq.