From studies carried out on 42 cases from the Hajjah and Amran governorates of Yemen, it was concluded that cutaneous leishmaniasis in this region appears to be endemic, has a long chronic course, showing a highly positive smear even 1–6 years after onset, and gives an inadequate response to prolonged systemic therapy.

A follow-up study of 136 cases revealed L. tropica to be the species responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis with the vector being P. sergenti, in the case of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. Reservoir hosts in the case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Yemen have not been established. Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused by the species L. major with the suspected vectors being P. bergeroti, P. duboscqi and P. papatasi.