Clinical features of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in children younger than 12 years in Isfahan

Abstract

<span>Background: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is one of the most common parasitic diseases in Isfahan, the scar of it could be found in the majority of residents of some areas of city. This disease can affect all age groups but it is more common in children in endemic and hyperendemic areas. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical features of cutaneous leishmaniasis in children less than 12 years old in Isfahan. Patients and Methods: We studied 656 cases younger than 12 years among 2000 patients referred to “Center of Leishmaniasis" in Isfahan, from October 96 to October 97. The diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis was confirmed by direct smear in all cases. Results: Among 2000 patients, 656 cases (32.8%) were less than 12 years old, 53.4% of them were male and 46.6% were female. Most of the lesions were papules (28.4%), and the most common site of involvement was face (38.6%). The number of lesions ranged from 1 to 20, but most of the patients had only one lesion (46.3%).</span>