Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
Epidemiological and clinical features of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in Jordan from 2013 to 2024
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Abstract:
Objective: To investigate the epidemiology, demographic risk factors, spatial distribution, and temporal trends of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Jordan from 2013 to 2024. Methods: A retrospective epidemiological study was performed utilizing confirmed CL cases from the Jordanian Ministry of Health. Demographic (age, sex, age group), clinical (lesion location, year and month), and geographic information (district type) were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 9 software. Spearman’s rank correlation and Chi-square test were used to explore the association between age and lesion locations. Results: Between 2013 and 2024, a total of 1281 confirmed cases were documented. Males represented 63.0% of the cases, while rural areas accounted for 80.6% of the burden. The age groups of 6-18 and 19-60 years accounted for the highest overall CL burden. Lesions were primarily found on the head and neck in children (0-18 years) and on limbs in adults (19-60 years). Persistent hotspots were identified in the Azraq district and the Jordan Valley. Seasonal peaks were noted in late autumn and winter, aligning with the sandfly transmission cycle. Significant association was found between younger age and head and neck lesion counts (r=-0.127, P<0.001), while older patients exhibited a greater involvement of limb lesion counts (for upper limbs lesion counts, r=0.134, P<0.001; for lower limbs lesion counts: r=0.066, P=0.019). Pairwise comparisons also indicated significant differences in lesion locations among different age groups (most P<0.01). Conclusions: CL continues to pose a significant health threat in Jordan, especially in rural and refugee-affected areas. Factors such as underreporting, passive surveillance, and ecological risks contribute to ongoing transmission. A comprehensive national control strategy that includes molecular diagnostics, vector control, refugee health screening, and enhanced surveillance is required for better management of the disease.
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