Epidemiology of dermal leishmaniasis in the Rio Doce Valley, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

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Abstract
Dermal leishmaniasis is prevalent in the predominantly settled agricultural areas in the Rio Doce Valley in the eastern part of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The disease was recorded almost equally in both sexes. Cases were confirmed in all age groups but youths aged 10-14 yr form the population segment at greatest risk to infection. Cases of single cutaneous lesions, multiple cutaneous lesions and muco-cutaneous lesions were recorded in the area. Isolates of parasites include representatives of the Leishmania mexicana and L. braziliensis complexes and at least 1 parasite that does not fit into either category. Infections were not detected in small mammals (mainly rodents) but about 3% of dogs are infected. The phlebotomine fauna includes no species (or close relatives of species) previously incriminated as vectors of L. mexicana and L. braziliensis infections in Brazil. In the complex and confusing epidemiological situation in the Rio Doce Valley it seems unwise to apply traditional specific names to Leishmania of the area.

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