Epidemiological behavior, geographic distribution and initial clinical management of cutaneous leishmaniasis in boyacá. 2008-2015

Abstract

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a reemerging disease that causes more sequelae and disability than any other of its kind in areas where geographical conditions favor the presence of the vector. Objective: To describe the behavior, geographical distribution and initial clinical management of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the department of Boyacá between 2008 and 2015. Materials and methods: Observational, retrospective study on a sample of patients diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis in the department of Boyacá, Colombia, registered in the mandatory epidemiological notification sheets of the Colombian public health surveillance system from 2008 to 2015. Results: 63.6% of patients were men with occupations related to forestry activities and from rural areas. 81% of the reported cases were located in western Boyacá, along the Magdalena River basin, one of the main tributaries of Colombia. Inadequate initial clinical management was observed in 25% of the study sample, which is a risk factor for resistance to pentavalent antimonials. Conclusion: It is necessary to implement follow-up strategies for patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis in order to verify the cure criteria for the disease and propose strategies for its prevention in the identified populations that are at greater risk.