Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Gonbad Kavoos, North of Iran (2009-11): an epidemiological study

Background and Objective: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the zoonosis disease which is transmitted by sand fly and has been considered as one of the most important health problems in Iran. This study was designed to assess the status of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Gonbad Kavoos, North of Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical retrospective study was performed on the two groups consist of: 1799 patients (995 men and 804 women) referred to health centers of Gonbad Kavoos in Golestan Province North of Iran during 2009-11. Also 278 men and 271 women were selected randomly in one of the villages for the assessment of acute and scar wounds. Patient’s characteristics such as age, sex, habitat, number and sites of ulcer(s), month and years of incidence were registered. Data were analyzed using SPSS-13 and Chi-Square test. Results: From 1799 under care patients, 995 cases (55.3%) were males and 804 cases (44.7%) were females (P<0.05). 1542 patients (85.7%) resided in rural areas, while 257 (14.3%) lived in urban areas (P<0.05). The most frequent age group was 0-9 years old (43.3%) (P