Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Acquired in Texas

Tracy L. Gustafson Bureau of Epidemiology, Texas Department of Health, Austin, Texas

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Christie M. Reed Bureau of Epidemiology, Texas Department of Health, Austin, Texas

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Patrick B. McGreevy Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, D.C.

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Michael G. Pappas Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, D.C.

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J. Carl Fox Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Stillwater, Oklahoma

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Phillip G. Lawyer U.S. Army Medical Department Student Detachment, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.1985.34.58
Volume/Issue:
Volume 34: Issue 1
Page(s):
58–63
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Four cases of autochthonous human cutaneous leishmaniasis have been identified in south-central Texas since 1980. The patients presented with chronic ulcerating papules on the face, earlobe, and lateral thigh. In two patients, the infections healed without treatment. In the other two patients, the lesions healed following treatment with intramuscular sodium stibogluconate or topical antimony potassium tartrate. Serologic testing of family members, using four different techniques, indicates that asymptomatic infections may occur. These are the first reported cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis acquired in Texas since 1974. Organisms isolated from patients in 1974 and 1980 belonged to the Leishmania mexicana complex when tested by the isoenzyme technique. Although no animal reservoir or insect vector has been identified, six species of sand flies belonging to the genus Lutzomyia do inhabit this part of Texas. Accumulated evidence strongly suggests that cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in south-central Texas.

Author Notes

Copyright:
Copyright © 1985 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 1985
Accepted:
23 Jul 1984
|
Published Online:
Jan 1985
Cover The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Print ISSN:
0002-9637
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