An outbreak of human Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis infection

The occurrence of acute cutaneous leishmaniasis among inhabitants of 10 farms within 10 Km of the hamlet of Corte de Pedra, Bahia, Brazil was studied prospectively from 1984-1989. A mean population of 1,056 inhabitants living in 146 houses were visited every 6 months and the number of skin ulcers recorded. A leishmanin skin test survey was done people with suggestive skin scars or active disease in 1984. The incidence of skin ulcers due to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (Lvb) reached 83/1,000 inhabitants but declined sharply in the subsequent 2 years. Retrospective data shows that leishmaniasis is a sporadic endemic disease. Although the reasons for this epidemic are unclear some possible aetiological factors are discussed.