Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis in Santa Ana canton, Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a disease influenced by the distribution and density of the species that transmit it. In turn, the provision of basic services and timely health care determine the occurrence of outbreaks and the maintenance of the transmission of this type of vector-borne disease.

Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of cutaneous leishmaniasis at Honorato Vasquez parish in Santa Ana, Manabí, Ecuador from November 2020 to February 2021.

Methods: An observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 individuals with one or more active scar-like lesions caused by leishmaniasis, with positive diagnostic test with detection of Leishmania sp. amastigotes. A data collection form was completed with identification, epidemiological and clinical data of interest.

Results: Male sex predominated over female (60% and 40%, respectively), the mean age was 38 years, primary education level (73.3%), occupation farmer (46.6%) and marital status married (40%). The most commonly affected anatomical regions were the lower limbs (48 %) and 73.3% of the patients had a single lesion of plaque type (64%) and crusted surface (52%). The most common symptom was pain (68%).

Conclusion: The disease continues to affect males at working age; therefore, it is important to promote preventive measures in this population to avoid its spread.