Some aspects of the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Al-Kharaj area of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Four hundred and thirteen patients with skin ulcers were clinically diagnosed as suffering from cutaneous leishmaniasis; 82 (approximately 20%) of these cases were confirmed microscopically. Ulceration occurred mainly on the exposed parts of the body.

Of the total cases 69% were Egyptian labourers, 14% Saudis and the remaining 17% Syrian, Pakistani, Yemeni or Filippino. Most of the Saudi patients were children aged up to ten years.

Two Rattus rattus collected during the study had skin ulcerations on the face, indicating possible infection with leishmaniasis.

Poor living conditions on the farms seem partly responsible for the high rate of incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis among the labourers.