A disfiguring neglected tropical disease sweeps war-torn Yemen: A community-based study of prevalence and risk factors of cutaneous leishmaniasis among rural communities in the western highlands
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2023
Abstract
Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major health problem in Yemen and is endemic in many rural areas across the country. Methods A community-based cross-sectional survey followed by unmatched case-control comparisons was conducted among 612 participants in Utmah district, western Yemen. A total of 223 participants were included in the case-control analysis to identify the significant risk factors. Skin scrapping samples were examined by microscopy and internal transcribed spacer 1 nested polymerase chain reaction. Results Overall, 33% (202/612) of the participants had active skin lesions and/or scars that met the clinical criteria for CL. A total of 90 (14.7%) participants had suspected active CL lesions; however, a prevalence of 8.7% (53/612) was obtained based on molecular and parasitological examination, with Leishmania tropica being the only causative agent identified. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that being & LE;10 y old, being female, living in houses with cracked walls, living in the presence of other family members with typical ulcerating skin diseases and sleeping outside were factors significantly associated with an increased likelihood of having CL. Moreover, keeping livestock on the ground floor of the house was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of having CL. Conclusion The study reveals an alarmingly high prevalence of CL among the studied population. Therefore there is an urgent need for effective control measures and improved treatment efforts against this devastating disease.
Keywords
Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Infectious diseases, Neglected tropical diseases, Risk factors, Yemen
Divisions
Parasit
Funders
Universiti Malaya [Grant no. RG331-15AFR]
Publication Title
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume
117
Issue
12
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Publisher Location
GREAT CLARENDON ST, OXFORD OX2 6DP, ENGLAND