Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 20 1 2025 02 26 65 74 EN Bizuayehu Gashaw Department of Biology, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia Endalew Yizengaw Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia Fasikaw Nigatie Amhara National Regional State Health Bureau, Tefera Hailu Hospital, Sekota, Ethiopia Endalkachew Nibret 1. Department of Biology, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 2. Institute of Biotechnology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia 2024 08 20 2025 02 26 Background: Leishmania aethiopica is the leading cause of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Ethiopia. Different clinical manifestations might be related to host immunity, which itself can be influenced by the host's nutritional status. However, there is limited evidence that associates nutritional status with CL in Ethiopia. We investigated the relationship between clinical variables of CL and malnutrition. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in June 2024. Patient data was analyzed from those treated for CL and screened for nutrition from January 2022 to May 2024 at Tefera Hailu and Addis Zemen Primary Hospitals. Nutritional status was assessed through Anthropometric measurements. Results:  A total of 470 CL patients were treated, with a prevalence of 14.65/100, 000 population affected.  Out of the total CL patients, 217 were assessed for nutrition, 22% were malnourished. Malnutrition was most prevalent in mucosal (30%) and recurrent cases (38.5%), compared to localized (20%) and new cases (21%) respectively. Conclusions:  Malnutrition might have the potential to shape the clinical manifestation and treatment outcome in CL patients. In CL endemic areas nutritional supplement with the treatment of CL could require for better patient outcome. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4347 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4347/1409