The Study of Epidemiological Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Aran and Bidgol City, and the Impact of Climatic Factors on that during 2016-2019

Background: Leishmaniasis, a common parasitic disease between humans and animals, which is currently one of the major health problems in many parts of Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Aran and Bidgol and the effects of climatic factors on that during 2016-2019. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed by referring to the health records of 964 cutaneous leishmaniasis patients in Aran and Bidgol during 2016-2019 and epidemiological information was recorded. In addition, the climatic characteristics of the study area, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation were collected from the meteorological station of the study area. Then correlation analysis was performed between meteorological elements and the incidence of the disease. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Results: 60% of the patients were male. The age group of 0-10 years had the highest frequency (23.9%) among patients. Also, 47.7% of the patients had a history of traveling to endemic areas and the highest rate of leishmaniasis was related to urban residents. There was also a weak positive correlation between humidity and rainfall with leishmaniasis incidence (r = +0.55).  A weak negative correlation was also observed between temperature of the environment and leishmaniasis incidence (r = -0.42). Conclusion: Due to the significant increase in cutaneous leishmaniasis in recent years in the area, as well as the appropriate ecological conditions of the area for sand fly activity, it is recommended to conduct the necessary training to observe health in hot seasons and field controls, such as baiting.