Sign in Subscribe
Cutaneous leishmaniasis

High Prevalence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in North-West Pakistan

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Hazara University in Pakistan have conducted a retrospective study on cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the north-west region of the country. The study, published in BMC Public Health in 2025, reveals a high prevalence of CL in the region, particularly among patients under 20 years of age and in males. The study found that the disease predominantly affected patients with facial lesions, followed by those with lesions on the upper and lower extremities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study recorded 2035 cases of CL in three districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, from January 2022 to February 2023.
  • The disease predominantly affected patients under 20 years of age (n = 1259, 61.9%), particularly males (n = 1067, 52.5%).
  • The proportion of facial lesions was predominant (n = 1145, 56.3%), followed by lesions on the upper extremities (n = 317, 15.6%) and lower extremities (n = 338, 16.6%).
  • The study found that the disease was particularly prevalent in district Bajaur (n = 1222, 60.04%), followed by Malakand (n = 587, 28.84%) and Dir Lower (n = 153, 7.52%).
  • Peak cases were recorded during summer and spring, whereas autumn and winter showed a relatively lower incidence of CL, likely due to harsh environmental conditions.

Statistics:

  • Total cases of CL recorded: 2035
  • Number of patients under 20 years of age: 1259 (61.9%)
  • Number of male patients: 1067 (52.5%)
  • Number of patients with facial lesions: 1145 (56.3%)
  • Number of patients with lesions on the upper extremities: 317 (15.6%)
  • Number of patients with lesions on the lower extremities: 338 (16.6%)
  • Number of cases recorded in district Bajaur: 1222 (60.04%)
  • Number of cases recorded in district Malakand: 587 (28.84%)
  • Number of cases recorded in district Dir Lower: 153 (7.52%)

Sources:

  • Epidemiological patterns of cutaneous leishmaniasis in north-west Pakistan (2022-2023). BMC Public Health, 2025, 25(1):1-9.
  • (https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23175-4)
  • Hazara University Researchers Describe Advances in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis [Epidemiological patterns of cutaneous leishmaniasis in north-west Pakistan (2022-2023)]. World Disease Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 20.

Read more