Identification and Assessment of Risk Factors Associated with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Northwestern Yemen

Abstract

The clinicoepidemiologic profile of 143 cases (93 males and 50 females) with cutaneous leishmaniasis from Hajjah, Yemen was studied.Leishmania species identification was done for all cases by polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The bioptical material was scraped from both Giemsa stained and methanol fixed smears. The molecular characterization of Leishmania species revealed Leishmaniatropica as the causative agent of CL in Hajjah, Yemen.Suspected reservoir hosts were caught from the study area dogs- mice- rock hyraxes- and bats. Liver, spleen, and skin smears were collected and examinedmicroscopically and analyzedby PCR technique. No DNA of Leishmania parasite could be detected, which suggest an anthroponotic transmission by the sand fly bites. 16 species of sand flies belong to two genera were identifiedSix Phlebotomusand ten Sergentomyia. The sex Phlebotomusspecies are important vectors of leishmaniases. PCR examination of 150 Phlebotomusfemale was negative for Leishmania DNA. These results can be considered as risk factors for the increased prevalence of cutaneous and visceral leishmanaisis, especially in the case of wars and armed confrontations.Which requires an integrated program of epidemiological survey in various governorates in Yemen, and a program forcontrol the insect vectors and animal reservoir, and suitable treatment of patients.