Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
11:36
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Dorsal Skin of Hamsters: a Useful Model for the Screening of Antileishmanial Drugs
Published on: April 21, 2012
Skin diseases in the Peruvian Amazonia.
Ericson L Gutierrez1, Carlos Galarza, Willy Ramos
1Instituto de Investigaciones Clínicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú.
International Journal of Dermatology
|July 13, 2010
Summary
Infectious and parasitic skin diseases are most common in the Peruvian Amazonia. Altitude influences disease prevalence, with parasitic infections below 700m and radiation disorders above.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology of dermatological diseases
- Tropical medicine
- Environmental dermatology
Background:
- Dermatologic diseases exhibit significant geographic variation.
- Environmental factors influence disease presentation.
- Understanding regional epidemiology is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the epidemiology of dermatological diseases in the Peruvian Amazonia.
- To identify factors influencing disease distribution.
- To inform public health strategies and medical training.
Main Methods:
- A transversal, multicentric study conducted in 2006-2008.
- Inclusion of all new patients seeking dermatological consultation.
- Statistical analysis including chi-square and multinomial logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Infectious and parasitic dermatoses were the most prevalent (31.5%).
- Parasitic dermatoses (scabies, pediculosis, myiasis) were associated with altitudes < 700m.
- Radiation-related skin disorders were associated with altitudes > 700m.
Conclusions:
- Infectious dermatological diseases are the most common in the Peruvian Amazonia.
- Radiation-related skin disorders require attention in rainforest populations.
- Findings support training for diagnosing tropical dermatoses and advising travelers.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:30Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...
01:22American Trypanosomiasis
Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is a vector-borne parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a flagellated protozoan (kinetoplastid) of the family Trypanosomatidae. The disease is endemic in Latin America, although cases are increasingly reported worldwide due to human migration. Transmission most commonly occurs when feces of infected triatomine bugs contaminate bite wounds or mucosal surfaces; additional routes include congenital, transfusional, transplant-related, and oral...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:21Antiprotozoal Agents
Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by several Leishmania species. It affects millions of people each year and remains a major public health problem in endemic regions. First-line treatment relies on pentavalent antimonials, including meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Even so, how these drugs work has not been fully clear, especially their interaction with parasite-specific biochemical pathways. One key target is trypanothione reductase (TR), an enzyme that...