Cutaneous leishmaniasis causes a public health problem worldwide. Leishmaniasis has gradually spread to many governorates of Yemen and is considered an endemic disease [20]. Its prevalence is underestimated due to underreporting, misdiagnosis, or non-diagnosis [21].
Sixty-eight cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis were recorded among visitors to Amran hospitals and health centers; the highest infection rate occurred during December and reached 20 (29.4%). The high prevalence in our study can be attributed to the fact that only clinically suspected patients were included. In addition, the present study recorded a significantly higher prevalence rate in males (66.2%) than in females (33.8%) (P < 0.05). This finding is consistent with results reported in Yemen [22], Sri Lanka [23], Iraq [24], Saudi Arabia [25-26].
The rationale for gender differences comes in the fact that males make up the majority of seasonal immigrant workers, who typically wear less clothing than women and operate in open surroundings. As a result, they are likely to have greater exposure to sandflies, particularly in rural societies. Given that the majority of CL cases resided in rural areas and typically worked as farmers, which exposed them to the danger of being bitten by sand flies, it is not surprising that the aforementioned results were obtained.
Regarding the age group, the current study revealed that the highest prevalence rate of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the 0-20 age group (50%), and the lowest in more than 40 years (10.3%). The same results were reported in West Kordofan, Sudan [27], and in Oti Region, Ghana [28]. It's possible that children are more likely to get mosquito bites because they're active and spend a lot of time outside. Additionally, the clothing they wear increases their vulnerability to mosquito bites.
The results showed that 30 (44.1%) participants were from urban areas and 38 (55.9%) were from rural areas. Similarly results have been recorded in by many studies curried in Yemen, Hadhramout and Taiz governorates [17, 29], Iran [30], Iraqi Kurdistan region [31], and Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [32]. The aforementioned results are to be expected, given that most instances of CL were found in rural areas where individuals were engaged in agricultural activities, making them vulnerable to sand fly bites. Moreover, the high occurrence of CL can be ascribed to factors such as low socioeconomic position, substandard housing circumstances, limited knowledge about the disease's source, and inadequate healthcare availability.
Regarding the clinical profile of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions, the most common sites of infection were the faces, hands, feet, chest, and back, with significant differences (P < 0.0). The study found an elevated incidence of leishmaniasis in the facial region, likely due to the face's prominent exposure to sand fly bites. Moreover, several factors may contribute to the elevated occurrence of CL lesions in the nose. Firstly, the nose is a stationary region of the face, making it more susceptible to sand fly bites. Secondly, it is a prominent and exposed area of the face, further increasing its vulnerability. Lastly, the nose lacks protective mechanisms to avoid sand fly bites, making it the most susceptible part of the face.
Several risk factors were significant associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis, such as bite sand fly, blood transfusion, insect bites, transplantation, needle prick, and dog bites. These findings were also similar to those of a to those of a study in Brazil [33]. Moreover, ecology, geography, climate change, cultural, gender- and age-specific tasks, urban activities at night, popular treatment methods, illiteracy, overcrowding, the practice of keeping domestic animals indoors, continuous increases in rodent and dog populations, and inadequate diagnosis, treatment, housing, hygiene, and sanitation may contribute to the increase in leishmaniasis [21]. There are various explanations behind Yemen's high prevalence of Cl infections, particularly in Amran Governorate. These challenges encompass living situations, economic and environmental factors, a lack of public health awareness, a lack of sanitary facilities and infrastructure, and a lack of access to safe drinking water [34–41].