A Retrospective Study Analysing the Profile of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Cases Reported to a Base Hospital in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most prevalent clinical form of leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka. This study explored the epidemiological characteristics of CL patients at the Base Hospital, Medirigiriya, Sri Lanka, based on retrospective data collected during 2017-2022. Specifically, it determined the frequency of CL among the patients and examined the patterns of CL distribution in the selected population concerning demographic, spatial, and temporal factors. The research used the laboratory investigation reports of clinically suspected CL patients referred to the dermatological clinic during the study period. The smear test result, age, sex, and area of residence were collected and analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. A total of 1190 residents from the Medirigiriya area suspected of CL were screened, of whom 584 (49.1%) were positive by smear test. The annual positive cases increased from 2017 (42.8%) to 2022 (55.7%). The average annual incidence of CL per 100,000 population in Medirigiriya was estimated to be 122. Among the positive patients, the percentage of males (60.6%) was higher compared to females. Also, the 41-50 age group showed the highest percentage (21.2%) of CL positive cases. The month of July recorded the highest mean number of CL-positive patients. The main cluster of CL patients was in the Nawanagaraya and Medirigiriya Grama Niladari Divisions. Sex, age, area of residence of patients, and month of the year were the significantly associated risk factors (p<0.05) for CL infection in Medirigiriya during the study period. This research provides an understanding of the demographic and spatiotemporal factors associated with CL in Medirigiriya during 2017-2022 which would be important in designing strategies for the prevention and control of CL in the area. It is recommended that the identified risk factors be targeted for future research, surveillance, and implementation of control methods.