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Background: Global findings indicate that incidence rate of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has significantly in­creased during the past decade, as documented in many countries. This review was aimed to evaluate the trend of CL cases in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics during a decade after the earthquake (2003–2012) com­pared to the corresponding period before the earthquake in Bam (1993–2003). Methods: Direct smear preparations along with different intrinsic methods were used for detection and identification of the causative agents. Results: Overall, 20999 cases of CL have occurred during the last 20 years (1993–2012), 6731 cases before and 14268 cases after the earthquake (P< 0.001). Conclusions: Following a major earthquake, several risk factors could activate epidemics of cutaneous leishmaniasis in old foci and induce emerging foci in new areas.

Background and Objectives: Q fever is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution; this disease is a public health concern in many countries. The aim of this study was to determine the association between risk factors with Q fever seropositivity among veterinarians and vet staff in Southern Khorasan. Methods: Questionnaires were prepared and 92 blood samples were obtained from all veterinary staff in the South Khorasan (East of Iran). The serum samples were tested with an indirect ELISA kit (anti body phase II); then, SPSS version 19.0 was employed to analyze the data using descriptive statistics and a confidence interval of 95%, chi-square test, and logistic regression. Results: The results showed that 50 serum samples (54.35%) were positive and the results of data analysis with logistic regression indicated an association between seropositivity and contact with animal secretions and abortive materials. There was no correlation between seroprevalence and age, gender, work experience, education, use of unpasteurized dairy products, knowledge of disease, and clinical findings. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study showed a high seropositivity rate among vet staff which indicates that further attention should be paid to this disease in these groups.

Background and Objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a public health problem in Iran and Kerman Province which is expanding to new foci. This study was conducted to estimate the incidence of CL by a simple and cost – effective method in a major focus of CL in the city of Kerman, southeastern Iran. Methods: A combination of two longitudinal and cross – sectional studies was performed. First, the frequency of referred patients to the CL treatment clinic in 2009-2014 was assessed. Then, four highly infected zones consisting of 800 households in the city were selected. In addition, the relative proportions of referred and non – referred subjects were assessed. Eventually, the incidence of CL was calculated by dividing the number of CL cases over the total at risk population for the corresponding period (2009-2014). Results: The mean annual incidence was 175 per 100000 (943 patients) in the city of Kerman, while it was 500 per 100000 people (0.5%) in the new foci. The highest CL infection was observed among the

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains a serious public health concern in Kerman Province, eastern Iran. This study was aimed to conduct a comprehensive review and highlights various aspects of CL in the province of Kerman. Methods: This article mainly focuses on the studies published in the past 26 years on CL in the province. Current data for the present status were obtained through the provincial health system. Results: Bam was the most infected district (63.6%), followed by Kerman (24.7%) and other districts to a less extent. Leishmania tropica is the major causative agent (95.5%) of CL in Kerman province, however, L. major accounts for 4.5% of the total cases. Bam, Kerman and southern districts of Kerman province were purely anthroponotic CL (ACL), while Rafsanjan, Baft, and Sirjan showed both ACL and zoonotic CL (ZCL). In contrast, Orzoieh district was merely endemic to ZCL type. Phlebotomus sergenti was the main vector in ACL foci while Ph. papatasi was the major vector in the ZCL district of Orzoieh. Localized CL was the most prevalent form (80%) of the disease, while leishmaniasis recidivans was the most uncommon clinical manifestation (18.7%). Conclusion: Due to recent rises in CL disease both in regard of increases in incidence rate and expansion of the disease to new foci, and presence of various risk factors in the province, control measures and health strategies should have high priorities to help treat the existing cases and prevent the expansion of the disease to new areas.

Background & Objective: Population-based unit research in urban areas utilze possible commmunity-based researches in oder to empower people to have a healthy life. In order to achive this goal this study carried out to prirotise the common health problems from the point of view of experts and habitants in Kerman population-based research center in 2007. Methods: Cluster sampling was employed and an standard questionnaire was completed by participants. Results: A population with total of 1289 persons from 324 family were included in this survey. The mean of age 26.8 ± 19.2. Fifty one percent were male and 15.7% had college education, 3.8% were illiterate, 35.8% were housewife or unemployed. Near seven percent had at least a chronic disease in their family. Most complaint of health environment were shooting garbage and stray dogs (48.7% and 42.5%). Unemployment and inflation were most worrying issues from people point of view (85% and 24%).Conclusions: It is concluded that to allow people to participate in decision making for any health promotion program is very important and it should be taken into account by health policy makers.