Trend of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Jordan From 2010 to 2016: Retrospective Study

Background: The Middle East is endemic for cutaneous leishmaniasis, with countries like Syria reporting very high incidence. Objective: This study was aimed to assess the trend in the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Jordan from 2010 to 2016. Methods: This retrospective study included all cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis that had been reported to the Leishmaniasis Surveillance System in the Department of Communicable diseases at Jordan Ministry of Health during the period 2010-2016. A total of 1243 cases were reported and met the case-definition. Results: A total of 1243 cases (60.7% males and 39.3% females) were diagnosed during the study period. About 19.1% of patients aged <5 years, 37% aged 5-14 year, 15.6% aged 15-24 year and 28.2% aged >= 25. Of those, 52% were Jordanians and 44.9% were Syrians. The average annual incidence rate of 1.7 between 210-2013 increased to 3.0 in the years 2014-2016. Between 2010 to 2012, there was no difference in incidence rates between Jordanians and Syrian refugees. After 2012 the incidence rate increased significantly among Syrian refugees from 1.2 in 2012 to 11.8 in 2016. On the other hand, the incidence rate did not change significantly among Jordanians. Conclusions: The incidence rate of leishmaniasis in Jordan increased in the last three years because of the influxes of Syrian refugees to Jordan. A massive effort on reservoir and vector control along with actively pursuing diagnosis in endemic foci will be helpful. Additionally, proper and studious reporting of cases is a necessity for the eradication of this disease.