Authors

I EL IDRISSI SAIK²; H TALIMI³; B BADRI⁴; S BOUHOUT⁴; M RIYAD¹; M LEMRANI⁵;  ¹ Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco;  ² Hassan II University of Casablanca and Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Morocco;  ³ Institut Pasteur du Maroc and University Abdelmalek Essaadi, Morocco;  ⁴ Ministry of Health of Morocco, Morocco;  ⁵ Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Morocco

Discussion

Introduction

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by protozoa of the Leishmania genus and transmitted through infected sand fly bites, poses a significant public health burden in Morocco. Our study focuses on the Casablanca-Settat region, the most densely populated region of the country, and aims to analyze the spatio-temporal trends of CL in this area retrospectively for over 14 years (2009-2022). The study explores epidemiological patterns, seasonal variations, and the impact of climate variables on CL incidence.

Methodology

Data, including CL cases, demographic information, and climatic factors, were collected and analyzed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and R statistical packages.

Results

Results revealed a steady increase in CL cases until 2019, followed by a significant rise. All the reported CL cases were caused by Leishmania tropica. Incidence rates vary among groups, with higher rates in females and children aged 5-14. Seasonal analysis indicates a notable increase in cases during spring and winter. Spatial distribution analysis identifies the highest hotspot in El Brouj (Settat province), the only recognized endemic CL focus in the region, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Pearson correlation analysis shows a significant positive association between CL cases and minimum temperature and precipitation.

Conclusion

This retrospective study provides crucial insights into CL epidemiology in the Casablanca-Settat region, emphasizing the role of climate variables in disease incidence. The findings underscore the importance of tailored prevention strategies, increased disease awareness, and local control programs to improve case reporting and curb CL transmission.

Keywords

Cutaneous leishmaniasis, Leishmania tropica, spatio-temporal distribution, climate, Morocco