Supplementary Material: Epidemiology of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Karachi, Pakistan
Description
This study investigates the epidemiology and clinical presentation of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Pakistan. The hypothesis posits that CL cases exhibit geographic clustering, seasonal variation, and an association with travel to endemic areas. A retrospective analysis of 525 cases (July 2019–February 2024) was conducted at the Leishmaniasis Clinic of the Institute of Skin Diseases Sindh Karachi. Data include demographic details (age, gender, residence, travel history) and clinical characteristics (lesion site, count, size, and duration). Findings reveal a male predominance (65.1%), with younger age groups more affected. Exposed body areas accounted for 96.3% of lesions. The highest case burden originated from Baluchistan (49.7%), followed by Sindh (26.1%) and KPK (21.3%). Among Karachi patients, 37.3% had traveled to endemic regions, while 62.7% reported no travel history, suggesting possible local transmission (P < 0.001). Seasonal distribution analysis using the Jonckheere–Terpstra test showed no significant monthly variation (P = 0.49). Microscopic confirmation was conducted using Giemsa-stained smears, with histopathology and serology as secondary diagnostics. Treatment followed WHO-recommended protocols, with intralesional or intramuscular antimonials based on lesion count and size. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.22, employing chi-square and trend analysis for statistical comparisons. This dataset provides valuable epidemiological insights, aiding in disease modeling, risk factor analysis, and targeted public health interventions. Ethical approval (D.O. No. DISDSK 5082) was obtained, and informed consent was secured per the Declaration of Helsinki.