NASAL INVOLVEMENT IN CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS

Abstract

Objective:

Material and Methods:

Results:

Conclusion:

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in Distt. Lakki Marwat. Nose was a common site of

involvement. In endemic areas, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of nasal lesions.

Sixty seven out of 682 (9.82%) cases of nasal leishmanisis were encountered. Male to female ratio

was 2:1. Forty nine (73.13%) had solitary lesions and among these fourty four (65.67%) had lesions

limited to their nose. Wet type cutaneous leishmaniasis was seen in 19 (28.36) cases. Seventy three percent

of sufferers were less than 30 years of age.

Patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis presented to leishmaniasis clinic situated in

the Basic Health Unit for Afghan refugees at Sarai Gambeela, District Lakki Marwat from January 1, 2009

to December 31, 2009 were registered. The patients were diagnosed clinically and confirmed by laboratory

demonstration of parasite in a giemsa stained smear prepared from the lesion. Those having lesions

primarily on nose, irrespective of age and gender were included in the study. All those cases with primary

lesion elsewhere over face and secondarily involving nose (creeping lesion) were excluded. All important

clinical details were recorded on a specially designed proforma and patients were given a registration card

for the purpose of treatment and follow up visits.

To determine the frequency of nasal involvement in cutaneous leishmaniasis and to study

demographic and clinical pattern of disease involving nose as well as nasal mucosa.