Evaluation of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in Mersin, Türkiye: Impact of migration and the COVID-19 pandemic

Gülbudak Harun | Bozok Taylan | Tezcan Ülger Seda | İkizoğlu Güliz | Delialioğlu Nuran | Aslan Gönül

Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a significant public health concern in Türkiye, especially in the Southeastern Anatolia and Mediterranean regions. This study evaluated the epidemiological characteristics of CL cases diagnosed at Mersin University Hospital, including the impact of migration and the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: The diagnosis of CL was confirmed by microscopic examination of lesion smears. In this study, data from 144 patients diagnosed with CL between January 2011 and December 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic characteristics of the patients, temporal distribution (by month and year), and lesion features (location, number, and duration) were included. Results: CL was confirmed in 32.9% of patients (144/438). Of the 144 patients, 82 (56.9...