Epidemiological Profile and Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Region of the Algerian Sahara: Wilaya of Laghouat

Leishmaniasis is the most prevalent parasitic zoonosis which is a sand fly-transmitted infection. This endemic disease exists in multiple forms worldwide, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Although, Leishmaniasis prevalence has been studied in Algeria, data on the epidemiological status of the cutaneous leishmaniasis and its associated risk factors in the wilaya of Laghouat (Southern Algeria) is scare. This study analysed the epidemiological profile of CL cases recorded in this region from 2011 to 2021, aiming to examine the impact of environmental and climatic factors on CL disease in this Saharan region of Algeria. Epidemiological data were collected from the Direction of Public Health Services (DSP) of Laghouat, and were statistically analysed and mapped. A total of 4288 clinically confirmed CL cases were recorded over an 11-years period (2011–2021). The data revealed two significant peaks in 2011 (789 cases) and 452 cases in 2020, while the lowest number of cases occurred in 2014, with only 120 cases reported. The highest incidence of CL cases was found in the communes of Laghouat chef-lieu (N= 976; 22.76%), followed by Khenag (N= 754; 17.59%) and Hassi R’mel (673; 15.70%). Conversely, the lowest case numbers were recorded in Sebgag (3 cases) and Taouila (2 cases). The records indicated higher number of CL cases among males (N = 2590, 60.04 %) compared to females (N = 1698, 39.59 %). The highest rate of CL was found in patients belonging to 20-44 age group with 49.23%. This is the first assessment of the health situation which focused on the wilaya of Laghouat. These emphasize the importance of the understanding the dynamics of CL diseases in Laghouat that further research is needed to provide valuable insights for the control this vector borne disease.