[Epidemiology of tegumentary leishmaniasis in São João, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil].
In Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil, the degree of individual exposure to leishmaniasis is related to disorganized land occupation. In order to evaluate predisposing factors for an outbreak, confirm the parasitological diagnosis, treat patients, and assess etiological agents, reservoirs, and vectors, a 12-month study was conducted in Manaus in a community located along the BR-174 federal highway. Some 451 individuals were studied, among whom 17 cases of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) were diagnosed (six women and 11 men). Age varied from one to 64 years. Eleven patients had from one to three lesions. As for reservoirs, three opossums were captured. No hemoflagellates were found in the blood tests. Lutzomyia umbratilis was the predominant vector species captured. Many ATL patients were engaged in activities that exposed them to Leishmania vectors. Some patients may have been infected in the household and peridomiciliary environments. The epidemiological profile of ATL in this community is similar that of other foci in the region. This case series characterizes ATL as an endemic local public health problem.
Guerra
Jorge Augusto de Oliveira
JA
Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brasil. jorge@fmt.am.gov.br
Ribeiro
Jéfferson Augusto Santana
JA
Coelho
Leíla Inês de Aguiar Raposo da Camara
LI
Barbosa
Maria das Graças Vale
Md
Paes
Marcilene Gomes
MG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004197:Disease Reservoirs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007303:Insect Vectors; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011576:Psychodidae