P-30 Epidemiology and distribution pattern of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Guyana- a surveillance study
Author(s):
T Roberts , R Kurup, A Michael , Z Williams , R NilesRobin , A Sampson
Year of Presentation:
2023
Objective: The goal of this study was to identify the epidemiologic pattern and the degree of distribution of Leishmania species in Guyana.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over five years (2017- 2021) examining the epidemiologic pattern and the degree of distribution within the country, using heat maps. Data was collected from different testing sites across the country such as Vector Control Services in Georgetown, Lethem hospital, and Bartica hospital. All 23 positive microscopy slides preserved for cutaneous leishmaniasis were sent for species identification with support from PAHO.
Results: This study provided a correlation between sociodemographic characteristics of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Guyana. The study identified the disease predominantly affects the male gender, the Agro-Guyanese ethnic group, and between the ages of 34, who live or work in the hinterland region, particularly regions 7, 9, and 10. Notably, males with mining occupations or in the army stationed in the hinterland regions were at the highest risk due to significant exposure to the bite of sandflies that are widespread in these regions.
Conclusion: This study presented a comprehensive depiction of how Leishmania species are distributed across Guyana. Molecular diagnosis and genotyping of Leishmania from smear-positive samples of patients confirmed Leishmania spp subgenus L. (Viannia).