Evaluation of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in Mersin, Türkiye: Impact of migration and the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a significant public health concern in Türkiye, especially in the Southeastern Anatolia and Mediterranean regions. This study evaluated the epidemiological characteristics of CL cases diagnosed at Mersin University Hospital, including the impact of migration and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology: The diagnosis of CL was confirmed by microscopic examination of lesion smears. In this study, data from 144 patients diagnosed with CL between January 2011 and December 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic characteristics of the patients, temporal distribution (by month and year), and lesion features (location, number, and duration) were included.

Results: CL was confirmed in 32.9% of patients (144/438). Of the 144 patients, 82 (56.9%) were Turkish citizens and 62 (43.1%) were Syrian refugees. The mean age was 20.7 ± 19.8 (1-78) years. CL was detected more frequently in females (52.1%, 75/144) and in the 0-20-year age group (64.6%, 93/144). The head-neck region was the most affected (53.9%), and the mean lesion duration was 6.8 ± 11.6 months. Most cases were detected in February and March. The number of cases increased with Syrian refugee migration but decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions: Although the frequency of CL in the region has decreased in recent years, it remains a significant public health concern.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cutaneous leishmaniasis; Türkiye; epidemiology; migration.