Epidemiological features of cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic in hilly areas of district Karak, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a vector borne infection caused by flagellated parasitic protozoans of the genus Leishmania. This is an emergent threat and endemic in areas of tropic and sub-tropics and has a wider geographical distribution. This study was aimed to find the epidemiological aspects of cutaneous leishmaniasis during the recent epidemic in district Karak in 2018-2019. The suspected patients of leishmaniasis from different areas of district Karak were examined. We came across 803 cases during six-month period from August 2018 to January 2019. A major portion (> 37%; n = 299) of these patients were in age 11-20 years. The infection rate was higher in female (55.3%; n = 803) compared to males (44.6%; n = 803). Both gender and age showed a significant effect on the occurrence of infection. It is concluded that cutaneous leishmaniasis has appeared as a major health issue in district Karak. The current study report CL outbreak in Karak district which need immediate response from the healthcare authorities. In addition, extensive awareness campaigns are needed for timely prevention of such outbreaks.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic activities of Tamarix dioica.

Medicinal and aromatic plants contribute to major portion of the flora. The plant materials obtained from these plants are used in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and drug industries. Tamarix dioica is locally used in the management of splenic and hepatic inflammation as well as diuretic and carminative. It also possesses cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity. The present study investigates the anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic activities of the crude methanolic extract from Tamarix dioica. Anti-inflammatory activity was measured by Carrageenan Induced Paw Edema and Xylene Induced Ear Edema methods. Pyrexia induction with Brewer's yeast assay was used to determine antipyretic activity and analgesic activity was estimated by acetic acid induced writhing and hot plate methods. The data indicated that anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic activities of the crude methanolic extract from Tamarix dioica was dose and time dependent when measured by different assays. Exposure of model animal to increasing concentrations of the plant extract for longer period increased their anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic activities. Significantly highest anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic activities were noted at highest doses of the crude methanolic extract for longer exposure compared with their respective controls.