Cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Jordanian side of the Jordan Valley: severe under-reporting and consequences on public health management

Trop Med Int Health. 2008 Jun;13(6):855-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2008.02063.x. Epub 2008 Mar 24.

Abstract

Objective: To test if cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is under-reported in the Jordanian Mid Jordan Valley, with resultant serious consequences for drug supply.

Methods: For 2001-2003, prescribed amounts of drug and laboratory log-books were investigated to estimate CL cases reported in Jordanian Mid Jordan Valley. From April 2004 to May 2005, passive detection and focused active 'index case cluster'-directed detection were used.

Results: An average of 75/100,000 cases per year was estimated to have occurred 2001-2003, resulting in under-reporting by a factor of 47. In 2004/2005, 313/100,000 cases per year were passively detected. Active case-finding detected additional cases.

Conclusion: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is severely under-reported in Jordanian Mid Jordan Valley, which impacts its eradication.

MeSH terms

  • Antiprotozoal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / supply & distribution
  • Disease Notification / standards*
  • Disease Notification / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Jordan / epidemiology
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / drug therapy
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / epidemiology*
  • Population Surveillance
  • Public Health Administration / standards*

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents