Pinta: Latin America's Forgotten Disease?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neglected Tropical Diseases

Background:

• Pinta is a chronic, neglected skin disease historically endemic in Latin America.
• The etiological agent, Treponema carateum, is difficult to distinguish from other Treponema pallidum subspecies.
• Current prevalence data is lacking due to insufficient surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the re-emergence of pinta in Latin America.
• To inform U.S. physicians about pinta's differential diagnosis in migrant populations.
• To emphasize the treatability of pinta.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical and epidemiological data on pinta.
• Comparison of Treponema species using available diagnostic information.
• Clinical and public health recommendations for physicians.

Main Results:

• Pinta remains a concern in formerly endemic regions.
• Treponema carateum's distinctness from other treponemes requires further molecular investigation.
• Pinta is treatable with penicillin.

Conclusions:

• U.S. physicians should consider pinta in the differential diagnosis of skin conditions in children and adolescents from endemic areas.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment with penicillin are effective for all stages of pinta.
• Improved surveillance is needed to understand the current prevalence of pinta.