Leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia: Current situation and future perspectives

Epidemiological Mapping of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Descriptive Study

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease that affects individuals worldwide. An epidemiological observational population-cohort study was conducted on the basis of comprehensive research on CL incidence in Saudi and non-Saudi residents. The Ministry of Health recorded the incidence of CL between January 2020 and December 2022. The chi-square test was used to analyze the data and determine CL incidence rates in age-specific incidence rates (ASIRs) and gender between Saudi and non-Saudi residents in Saudi Arabia. The study found that between 2020 and 2022, there were 2280 cases of CL in Saudi Arabia, with 1367 and 913 cases in men and women, respectively. Of Saudi nationals, 64.26% and 12.91% were male and female, respectively. The frequency of CL was higher (87.09%) among non-Saudi residents than among Saudi nationals, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.001) between the two groups. The ASIRs for CL were higher in patients aged 15-45 years. This study revealed variations in CL incidence rates among the 13 administrative regions; Qassim, followed by Aseer, Ha'il, and Madinah, had higher rates than the other regions. These findings indicate the need for targeted interventions and public health strategies to reduce the burden on CL, particularly among non-Saudi residents.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Prevalence and Clinical Overview: A Single Center Study from Saudi Arabia, Eastern Region, Al-Ahsa

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne parasitic disease that is transmitted via the bites of infected female sandflies. CL has been endemic in several countries worldwide for many decades, and numerous cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia, particularly across six regions; one of which is AL-Ahsa. Our research aimed to evaluate the epidemiological situation of CL among the patients in Al-Ahsa, Eastern region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the period from 2017 to 2023. The data were collected from the patients' registries and included 245 patients who were diagnosed with CL in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Fewer than half of the cases (47.8%) were Saudi patients, with a significant number of them being males (84.5%). Over half of the cases (52.7%) were aged between 21 and 40 years, and about three-quarters (74.7%) of the cases resided in rural areas. Regarding the nature of the lesions, 38.4% of the cases had one lesion, which was mainly distributed on a lower extremity (62.0%) or an upper extremity (52.2%). A high percentage of the lesions (75.2%) were wet lesions and caused by L. major. Concerning risk factors, a greater number of patients (71.4%) had been in rural areas within the last three months. Additionally, more than half of the cases (54.3%) had close contact with rodents, followed by birds (28.2%), sheep (22.0%), dogs (16.3%), and other animals (1.2%). The results showed a low number of reported CL cases in 2020 and 2021, followed by a surge in 2022 and 2023. The study shows that cutaneous leishmaniasis is still a public health problem in Al-Ahsa and is primarily associated with rural areas.

Occupational Health Hazards Among Veterinarians in Saudi Arabia

Introduction Veterinarians and other professionals who interact with animals on a daily basis encounter an elevated risk of exposure to both known and as-yet-undiscovered microbial agents. Additionally, they are also exposed to physical, chemical, and environmental hazards. Enhancing occupational health and safety in this context carries significant global significance. Methods This study aimed to comprehensively identify and outline the various biological, physical, chemical, and environmental health threats that were encountered by veterinarians in Saudi Arabia. To achieve this, we designed a self-completed questionnaire for 529 participants. The survey encompassed potential occupational hazards such as microbial diseases, injuries resulting from animal bites and scratches, allergies, and environmental risks like sunstroke and dust storms. Results Among the 529 participating veterinarians, 45.9% (243 individuals) reported instances of zoonotic diseases within the past five years. Notably, potential viral agents included Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, avian influenza, and foot-and-mouth disease virus. Bacterial diseases were also frequently documented, with brucellosis (18.7%) and salmonellosis (7.9%) being notable pathogens. Protozoal infections were led by Leishmaniosis, constituting the most commonly detected protozoa (29 /529, 5.5%). Interestingly, 345 (65.2%) of the individuals reported that they have experienced animal bites and scratches. Needle stick injuries were also a common occupational hazard, with an incidence rate of 19.1%. Additionally, chemical exposure was prevalent, particularly to disinfectants (57.5%) and veterinary drugs (23.4%). The study participants also reported their exposure to various environmental hazards, including sunstroke, dust, sandstorms, and heavy rains. Conclusion The findings of this study draw attention to a concerning trend among veterinarians in Saudi Arabia. Their personal health and safety appear to receive inadequate attention, potentially heightening the risk of occupationally related health hazards. These outcomes highlight the need for a reevaluation of safety protocols and infection control practices within the veterinary profession. The implications of this study can potentially inform the development of policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating occupationally related health hazards among veterinarians in Saudi Arabia.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: epidemiological trends from 2006 to 2021

Introduction

cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne protozoan skin disease that affects all human ages and can pose extreme social and psychological impacts. This study aimed to reveal the epidemiological trends of CL in the Tabuk region, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), during the period from 2006 to 2021.

Methods

patients with CL, who were detected and registered at the regional Vector-borne Diseases Control Unit of the Tabuk province, between January 2006 and December 2021, were analyzed in this retrospective study. The patients´ data included their nationality, gender, and age, and their annual and month-by-month recorded patterns.

Results

a total of 1575 CL patients were reported during the said period. They were 53.1% Saudis and 46.9% non-Saudi expatriates with a ratio around 1.1: 1.0; and they were re-categorized as 83.17% males and 16.83% females with a ratio of 4.9: 1.0 (p <0.5). Additionally, the majority (1002/1575; 63.6%) of these CL patients were in age group of 15-45 years (p <0.5), and the lowest number was in age group of <5 years. Most importantly, there was a continuous annual and month-by-month record of these patients; reflecting CL endemicity in the Tabuk region of KSA.

Conclusion

the present findings imply that CL is endemic in the Tabuk region of KSA. As there is a recent increase in human immigration to this region, sustainable monitoring of CL and improving its control measures is warranted.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Associated Risk Factors and Prevention in Hubuna, Najran, Saudi Arabia

Background

Many countries are currently affected by leishmaniasis, and cutaneous leishmaniasis is ranked among the ten most neglected diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors related to cutaneous leishmaniasis and preventive measures among people living in Hubuna, Najran, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to October 2022. A convenience sampling technique was used, with 396 individuals invited to participate in the current study and 391 included. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized for collecting data. Descriptive analysis was used for risk factors and preventive measures, while χ² tests were used for determining associations with risk factors.

Results

Among participants, 38.1% (n=149) reported having cutaneous leishmaniasis clinically diagnosed and under treatment. Age 0-10 years was found to be associated significantly with cutaneous leishmaniasis infection (AOR 3.08, 95% CI 1.6-6.4; P=0.002) compared to other groups. A significant association was noted too for those residing in/around planted areas versus those who were not (AOR 1.18, 95% CI 0.13-2.24; P<0.001). In terms of occupation, farming was significantly associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis (AOR 2.54, 95% CI 1.15-3.76; P=0.010). No significant associations were observed in regard to sex (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 0.7-1.6; P=0.11), education (P=0.072), or preventive measures used (P>0.05).

Conclusion

The cutaneous leishmaniasis endemicity level in Hubuna was high. Several socioeconomic and environmental factors contribute enormously to the spread of the disease in the area. Further investigation of risk factors of cutaneous leishmaniasis all over the country and setting up appropriate interventions to prevent its spread are recommended.

Human Alkhumra hemorrhagic Fever: Emergence, history and epidemiological and clinical profiles

Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever (AHF) is a severe, often fatal hemorrhagic disease in humans. It is caused by Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV), a newly described flavivirus first isolated in 1995 in Alkhumra district, south of Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. It is transmitted from infected livestock animals to humans by direct contact with infected animals or by tick bites. In the recent past, the incidence of AHF has increased, with a total of 604 confirmed cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia between 1995 and 2020. Yet, no specific treatment or control strategies have been developed and implemented against this infection. Hence, the likelihood of increased prevalence or the occurrence of outbreaks is high, particularly in the absence of appropriate prevention and control strategies. This narrative review presents an overview of the current knowledge and future concerns about AHF globally.