Efficacy of Integrated Pest Management in Controlling and Preventing Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Isfahan Province, Iran

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is still considered as a health problem in the world. Several methods of control in different regions together with obtaining integrated information on its natural foci are needed to decrease its prevalence. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of simultaneous interventions on CL control. Methods: A standard questionnaire was used to identify patients among pilgrims of Emamzadeh Agha Ali Abbas (Isfahan Province, Iran). Afterward, three methods of controlling the disease including spraying residential buildings with Baygon, baiting with anticoagulant poisons, changing the vegetative cover of the region, improving the environment, and mounting mesh on all doors and windows of buildings in residential parts. The control measures were then evaluated by comparing the numbers of pilgrims affected by CL after and before the interventions. Findings: While 23 pilgrims (1.4%) were affected with CL before the intervention (pretest), 5 (0.3%) persons were found to have CL after taking control measures. Chi-square test did not indicate any significant difference in relative frequency of CL (P = 0.731). Conclusion: The only scientific way for preventing and controlling zoonotic CL is a combination of control methods (improving environment, fighting off the disease districts and vectors) together with changing the vegetative cover of the region. Any measure for controlling disease must be taken and programmed in accordance with the relevant experts' views, in coordination with other organizations, and with the society's participation.