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Skin infections in eastern Panama. Survey of two representative communities

A M Allen, D Taplin

    The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
    |September 1, 1974
    PubMed

    Insights

    Bacterial pyoderma, a common skin infection in Panamanian jungle villages, affected 25% of boys and 15% of girls. Many bacterial isolates showed penicillin resistance, with flies potentially aiding transmission.

    Area of Science:

    • Tropical medicine
    • Dermatology
    • Infectious diseases

    Background:

    • Skin infections pose a significant public health challenge in tropical regions.
    • Bacterial pyoderma is a common superficial skin infection, particularly in children.
    • Understanding the prevalence and etiological agents of skin infections is crucial for effective control strategies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the prevalence of various skin infections in two Panamanian jungle villages.
    • To identify the causative agents of bacterial pyoderma and assess their antimicrobial resistance.
    • To explore potential vectors for skin infection transmission.

    Main Methods:

    • A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 1,084 individuals in two jungle villages.
    • Clinical examinations were performed to diagnose skin infections.
    • Bacterial cultures were obtained from skin lesions for identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
    • Observations were made regarding potential insect vectors.

    Main Results:

    • Bacterial pyoderma was the most prevalent skin infection, affecting 25% of boys, 15% of girls, and 11% of individuals over 10 years old.
    • Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were identified in 84% of cultured pyoderma cases.
    • Approximately 60% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates exhibited resistance to penicillin.
    • Other infections like scabies, ringworm, candidiasis, and cutaneous leishmaniasis were found in less than 1% of the population.
    • Trichophyton rubrum was the sole cause of ringworm infections.
    • Hippelates flies were observed on skin lesions, suggesting a role in transmission.

    Conclusions:

    • Bacterial pyoderma is a major public health concern in the studied Panamanian communities.
    • The high prevalence of penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus necessitates careful antibiotic selection.
    • The potential role of Hippelates flies in disease transmission warrants further investigation.
    • Integrated control strategies addressing bacterial infections and potential vectors are recommended.

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