Mallawarachchi, C.H.Chandrasena, N.Wijerathna, T.Dalpadado, R.Mallawarachchi, M.S.M.N.S.Gunarathna, D.G.A.M.Gunathilaka, N.2021-09-302021-09-302021Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2021;115(11):1288-12970035-9203 (Print)1878-3503 (Electronic)http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/23266Indexed in MEDLINEBACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate an emerging focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Gampaha district, Western Sri Lanka. METHODS: Sociodemographics of CL patients in Mirigama, Gampaha district, were compared with controls using a structured questionnaire. Clinical data and geographic positioning system coordinates of patients were recorded. Sandflies collections were performed in four selected sites using indoor hand collection (162 units) and cattle-baited net traps (n=3). RESULTS: Of 73 patients (mean age 43.6 y; SD 20), 58.9% were males. Lesions consisted of nodules (52.1%) and ulcers (47.9%). Single lesions were seen in 69.9% of patients, while 30.1% had multiple lesions. Except for one mucosal lesion, all the others were cutaneous. Treatment consisted of sodium stibogluconate and cryotherapy (46.6%), sodium stibogluconate (45.2%) or cryotherapy (8.2%). Multiple lesions were more likely to receive combination therapy (p=0.013). The majority of those employed (81.1%; 27/33) were engaged in outdoor work. Male gender, low education attainment and poor disease awareness were significant risk factors for CL (p<0.05). Four households reported multiple cases. Phlebotomus argentipes was detected in all cattle-baited net traps and 35.3% of indoor hand collection units. CONCLUSIONS: CL is emerging in Gamapha district with Mirigama as the epicentre. Case distribution indicates local transmission, with P. argentipes as the probable vector. KEYWORDS: Sri Lanka; cutaneous leishmaniasis; emerging infectious diseases.en-USLeishmaniasisLeishmaniasis, CutaneousLeishmaniasis, Cutaneous-epidemiologyArticle