Leishmaniasis in Yemen: a clinicoepidemiological study of leishmaniasis in central Yemen

Abstract

Cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral leishmaniases have significant endemicity in Yemen, especially in central areas. Al Bayda is the governorate with the highest endemicity, and rural children and women represent the populations at highest risk. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis seems to be the most prevalent form and a single wet ulcer is the most common presentation. Infected refugees may represent new foci for imported Leishmania species. Ecology, geography, climate change, cultural gender- and age-specific duties, urban night activities, and use of popular treatments are among proven risk factors.

Impact of leishmaniasis in women: a practical review with an update on my ISD-supported initiative to combat leishmaniasis in Yemen (ELYP)

“…They are more vulnerable to skin disease and suffer greater social stigma than men. The prevalence of leishmaniasis is the highest among rural adult females and male children (Al-Kamel, 2015, Al-Kamel, 2016). …”

“…“Bada’h,” “Ofiyah,” “Atharah,” and “Shegnah” are the most common names that I identified that are used to refer to the leishmaniasis disease skin lesion in the endemic regions of Yemen. All of these terms mean apparent lingering residual or life-long stigma (Al-Kamel, 2015). …”

“…Children with VL usually present very late with massive hepatosplenomegaly, substantial weight loss, and anemia; some of them die even through the disease is under treatment (Fig. 3) (Al-Kamel, 2015). …”

“…I identified the following gender-specific factors that may intensify the spread and impact of leishmaniasis in populations of Yemeni women (Al-Kamel, 2015):Children and women represent the sector suffering the greatest deficiencies of medical care. They have poor access to proper drugs for leishmaniasis, which are unaffordable and often unavailable in pharmacies and even in the public health stores.…”

“…The most prevalent Leishmania strains are Leishmania major, Leishmania tropica, Leishmania infantum, and Leishmania donovani . The incidence of leishmaniasis infection peaks in August (autumn), and the majority of patients belong to poor farming families (Al-Kamel, 2015). …”