Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) in Saudi Arabia: Current Status

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a major tropical infection of public health importance. It is caused by a group of protozoan intracellular parasites. Several factors contribute to the prevalence and transmission of CL. More than 1400 cases of CL were reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Although several studies have looked at CL in Saudi Arabia and emphasized on the Eastern province of the country, the highest prevalence of CL was reported in Al-Qaseem area. In this review, we report on the species of Leishmania parasites causing CL in Saudi Arabia, its distribution and its incidence in the past seven years. We also report on the methods used to diagnose this infection and the treatment protocols used to treat CL in the country.