EPIDEMIOLOGICAL, CLINICAL AND THERAPEUTIC PROFILE OF CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN THE PROVINCE OF ESSAOUIRA-MOROCCO

Leishmaniasis is a group of parasitic, tropical diseases caused by flagellate protozoa belonging to the genus Leishmania. These parasites affect several mammalian species, including man, to which they are transmitted by the bite of an insect vector, the sandfly. They are widespread in many countries, including the countries of the Mediterranean region. In Morocco, it is a persistent public health problem despite the development and implementation of a control program. Our work is a retroprospective study of leishmaniasis cases observed in the Essaouira province over a period of 5 years (from 01/10/2016 to 31/12/2020). The objective of this study is to develop the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile of this disease with an analytical comparison with other works and researches. 598 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis were collected and no cases of visceral leishmaniasis. The age group most affected by cutaneous leishmaniasis is the one between 0-5 years old with 147 cases (25.00%) with an average age of 22.70 years. Similarly, a predominance of the female sex was observed with 58.19% of females versus 41.80% of males. The majority of cases were recorded in rural areas. The commune most affected is El-hanchan with a total of 149 cases, or 24.92% of the total cases observed. The epidemiological profile of leishmaniasis in Morocco seems to be gradually reached that of Mediterranean countries characterized by an increase in the number of cases and the emergence of new homes so far free of the parasite. Hence, the need for actions to combat well codified and adapted to different types of leishmaniasis. The measures undertaken in the framework of control program established in Morocco, have been evaluated on a permanent basis in order to develop and adapt them to the evolution of leishmaniasis in the province.