[The characteristics of the topographical distribution of leishmaniasis in Turkmenistan]

Long-term studies of the spread zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) have revealed that the prevalence of the disease is associated with definite landscapes. ZCL is constantly notified in the valley-delta, undermountainous (lowland) landscapes. VL is common in the sandy desert areas of the southeastern Kara-Kum, in the valley on Murgab, in the piedmont and low-mountainous areas of the Kopet-Dagh. The spread of ZCL coincides with the landscape P .papatasi distribution and that of VL with P.turanicus. There is cyclic recurrence in activation of a VL natural focus and an association of case histories with definite administrative areas in particular periods.