Evaluation of Cutaneous Leishmania Cases and Diagnostic Methods in Batman

Abstract

Objective: The diagnostic method used in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) often depends not on the accuracy of the diagnosis but on the existing infrastructure and resources of the diagnostic facility. It is important to apply a practical and sensitive method in regions where diagnostic possibilities are limited. This study aims to examine the cases diagnosed with CL and the diagnosis method in Batman between July 2021 and July 2023. Methods: Totally 17 patients were referred to the Microbiology Laboratory with a prediagnosis of CL. Demographic data of the patients were obtained from the Hospital Information Management System. The fine needle aspiration method was preferred as the diagnostic method in 2021, the samples were taken by partial removal of the suspected crust of scar/ulcer in 2022 and 2023. Results: With the suspicion of Leishmaniasis lesion, 5 patients in 2021, 8 patients in 2022 and 4 patients in 2023 were referred to our laboratory. Samples were taken with the fine needle aspiration method in 2021 and Leishmania sp. amastigotes were detected in one of five patients. In the samples taken in 2022 and 2023, the sample was taken by partial removal of the crust. Leishmania sp. amastigotes were detected in 6 of 8 suspected patients in 2022 and in 3 of 4 suspected patients in 2023. Conclusion: In this study, 10 CLs were diagnosed and it was observed that taking samples by removing the wound/ulcer crust made it easier to detect the agent. All the cases were local and were thought to be independent of Syrian migration.

Keywords

• Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
• diagnostic method
• sand flies
• parasite

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