Abstract:
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an established disease in Sri Lanka. The majority of
cases have been reported from the North-Central Province, with the southern parts of the
country considered less affected. However, during 2004, when the services of a dermatologist
were available, a considerable number of patients were referred from the Southern Province,
which formed the basis for this study. The clinical pattern, detailed geographical distribution
within the Southern Province and periodicity of the cases were studied over a period of 12
months. Of the 113 patients diagnosed, the highest number was within the 10—19 years age
group. Most patients were from densely populated rural areas around Matara, a large town
within this province. There was a notable increase in the number of cases presenting during
February—March and August—September, which are periods following monsoonal rains. Exposed
areas of the skin were commonly affected, with the majority of patients having single lesions.
Females and males were equally affected. This is in contrast to our previous findings in the
North-Central Province where the majority of patients were male soldiers with multiple lesions.
