Self-Reporting Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Patients and  Nutritional Status: A Study of the Host Factor in Remote Areas of Ethiopia

Bizuayehu  Gashaw; Endalew  Yizengaw; Fasikaw  Nigatie; Endalkachew  Nibret

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v20i1.18106

Bizuayehu Gashaw Department of Biology, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Endalew Yizengaw Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Fasikaw Nigatie Amhara National Regional State Health Bureau, Tefera Hailu Hospital, Sekota, Ethiopia
Endalkachew Nibret Department of Biology, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v20i1.18106

Keywords: Cutaneous-leishmaniasis; Malnutrition; Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Leishmania aethiopica is the leading cause of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Ethiopia. Different clinical manifestations might be related to host immunity, which itself can be influenced by the host's nutritional status. However, there is limited evidence that associates nutritional status with CL in Ethiopia. We investigated the relationship between clinical variables of CL and malnutrition.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in June 2024. Patient data was analyzed from those treated for CL and screened for nutrition from January 2022 to May 2024 at Tefera Hailu and Addis Zemen Primary Hospitals. Nutritional status was assessed through Anthropometric measurements.

Results: A total of 470 CL patients were treated, with a prevalence of 14.65/100, 000 population affected. Out of the total CL patients, 217 were assessed for nutrition, 22% were malnourished. Malnutrition was most prevalent in mucosal (30%) and recurrent cases (38.5%), compared to localized (20%) and new cases (21%) respectively.

Conclusions: Malnutrition might have the potential to shape the clinical manifestation and treatment outcome in CL patients. In CL endemic areas nutritional supplement with the treatment of CL could require for better patient outcome.