Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic parasitic infection in the Mediterranean region, including Libya and 

its Al-jabal Al-gharbi province. We aimed at studying the occupational relevance as well as other epidemiological aspects 

of CL. We investigated 140 CL cases who attended at Gharyan outpatient polyclinic during a period of 6 months in 2009. 

CL infection was clinically diagnosed and confirmed by demonstration of Leishmania parasites on smears from lesions. 

Our findings showed that males were more affected than females (P=0.04), and people above 10-years were more af￾fected than younger ones (P=0.0001). A significant percent of CL cases belonged to Al-Kawasem subprovince 

(P=0.0001). Farm-related activities were the most frequent occupations among CL cases (P=0.04). In addition to farm 

workers, housewives and students are at risk groups since they are engaged at farm activities. Moreover, those who have 

occupations that require staying outdoors for a part of night, e.g., policemen, are also at risk. Compared to children, adult 

CL patients had multiple lesions (P=0.001) that were more prevalent in their upper and lower extremities than the face 

(P=0.0001). We conclude that CL is a major health problem in Al-jabal Al-gharbi province of Libya. The presence of ro￾dents and sandflies makes it a suitable environment for Leishmania to spread in an endemic epidemiological pattern. Be￾ing engaged in farming activities or outdoor occupations increases the risk of infection. Various clinical patterns of CL 

suggest the presence of more than 1 species of Leishmania at Al-jabal Al-gharbi province. We propose that the 2 species 

responsible for CL in this area are L. major and L. tropica. Further investigations to identify the leishmanial species re￾sponsible for CL at Al-jabal Al-gharbi together with adoption of preventive and control programs are needed.