Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Northeastern Italy from 2017 to 2020: A Neglected Public Health Issue.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 19(23)2022 Nov 30.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36498130
ABSTRACT
Tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) includes cutaneous (CL) and mucosal (ML) leishmaniasis; despite being endemic in southern Europe, it is often underdiagnosed and underreported. This study aimed to retrospectively examine data collected from patients with TL in a selected area of northeastern Italy (Emilia-Romagna region, RER). A network of 10 diagnostic units within RER was established, and TL cases diagnosed in RER from 2017 to 2020 were evaluated. A total of 135 TL cases were collected (62% male, 38% female); patients ranged from 1 to 84 years, with a median age of 57. Among these cases, 113 (84%) were notified to the public health authorities. The average annual incidence of TL was 0.76 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Infections were acquired within the RER in 84% of cases; the 113 autochthonous cases were distributed in the foothills areas of the region. We provide evidence of a defined spatial distribution of TL cases in a selected area of northeastern Italy, as well as a relevant number of ML cases. Our observations suggest the need to raise awareness about TL among clinicians and pathologists, promote the molecular confirmation of cases by reference laboratories, and encourage the establishment of surveillance networks for this neglected disease.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Leishmaniasis
/
Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous
Type of study:
Incidence_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Environ Res Public Health
Year:
2022
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Italia