A survey of the distribution of dermal leishmaniasis in British Honduras

Chalmers, A.H.; Harris, J.C.; Swanton, R. H.; Thorley, A.P.

doi:10.1016/0035-9203(68)90159-4

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 3 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The traditional occupational risk of CL due to L. (L.) mexicana infection (giving rise to the name chiclero's ulcer) was predominant amongst collectors ("chicleros") of chewing-gum latex (chiclé) from Sapodilla trees Manilkara zapota, conducted in forests during the wet season [46]. Beltran & Bustamente (1942) revealed a similar 10.8% (18.1% males, 3.7% females) positive to L. (L.) mexicana skin test antigen which is indicative of exposure [48].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in British troops following jungle training in Belize: cumulative incidence and potential risk practices

Niba Rawlings,

Bailey,

Craig

et al. 2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction British soldiers undergoing jungle training (JT) in Belize typically experience a relatively low risk of developing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). However, an uncharacteristically large outbreak of CL occurred in 2022. This study aimed to determine the cumulative incidence (CUMI) of the disease and highlight potential shortcomings in personal protective measures (PPMs) to mitigate exposure to sand fly vector bites. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of CL cases between 2005 and 2022, as well as on questionnaire responses regarding PPMs administered to CL cases in 2022. Data were sourced from Defence Public Health Unit, Military Environmental Health Department and British Army Training Support Unit Belize. Results Eighty one confirmed clinical CL cases were recorded between 2005 and 2022, with a substantial peak (38 cases) in 2022. Most cases occurred during the wet season. Pre 2022, the median CUMI per 8 week deployment was 0.90% (Q1, Q3: 0.34%, 1.34%), with an annual variation of 0.2% to 2.0%. In 2022, the CUMI spiked to 4.22%, associated with a risk ratio of 5.3 (95% C.I.s: 3.41, 8.16), and rising to a CUMI of 7.3% in a single unit of 450 men (33 CL cases) in late 2022. These values are significantly higher than the median CUMI of all previous years, and to published reports for other CL endemic regions. Troop responses identified limitations in the supply of optimal equipment, and in sand fly bite and leishmaniasis risk avoidance information provided by the pre deployment health education (PDHE) programme. Compliance with PDHE advice was also suboptimal, with irregular use of insect repellents, protective clothing, head netting, and insecticide treated hammocks. Conclusions The reasons behind the unusually high numbers of CL cases and CUMI in 2022 remain unclear, emphasising the need to improve PPM provision and implement a comprehensive PDHE programme for troops undergoing JT in Belize.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…An epidemiological survey of 14 geographically independent farming communities located in forested areas (n=1,448 people), revealed a similar 10.8% (18.1% males, 3.7% females) positive to L. (L . ) mexicana skin test antigen which is indicative of exposure [48].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in British troops following jungle training in Belize: cumulative incidence and potential risk practices

Niba Rawlings,

Bailey,

Craig

et al. 2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…It was soon demonstrated that the LST can detect cellular immunity even in cases in which parasites are too scarce to be found by microscopy in biological samples; thus, the LST became the preferred diagnostic tool for CL [14]. In 1966, it was observed that the LST is often positive in individuals lacking scars to indicate previous infection and who do not recall ever having had symptoms, and it was suggested that these individuals had asymptomatic infections [15]. This observation has since been repeated [16,17], and it is now believed that of all people infected with Leishmania, symptomatic cases represent merely the tip of the iceberg.…”

Section: Development Of the Leishmanin Skin Testmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of the leishmanin skin test: A neglected test for a neglected disease

et al. 2021

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The leishmanin skin test (LST) has been used for decades to detect exposure and immunity to the parasite Leishmania, the causative agent of the neglected tropical disease leishmaniasis. In the LST, Leishmania antigen (leishmanin) is intradermally injected into the forearm. In an individual who has been previously infected, a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction results in a measurable induration at the site of the injection, indicating that previous exposure to Leishmania has resulted in the development of cell-mediated immunity. LST positivity is associated with long-lasting protective immunity against reinfection, most notably as reported for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Despite efforts over the past few decades, leishmanin antigen is no longer produced under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions anywhere in the world. Consequently, the use of the LST in epidemiological studies has declined in favor of serological and molecular tests. In this review, we provide a historical overview of the LST and justification for the reintroduction of leishmanin. A GMP-grade leishmanin can be used to detect immunity in vivo by the LST and can be investigated for use in an interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), which may serve as an in vitro version of the LST. The LST will be a valuable tool for surveillance and epidemiological studies in support of the VL elimination programs and as a surrogate marker of immunity in vaccine clinical trials. Methods A review of the literature was conducted using PubMed as the primary database, with MeSH terms “leishmanin skin test” OR “Montenegro test” OR “Montenegro skin test.” Articles written in English that describe the history or standardization of leishmanin, the use of leishmanin in an IGRA, or the use of the LST in epidemiological studies or vaccine trials were prioritized in our appraisal of the literature.

show abstract

Leishmaniasis in Central Brazil: Results of a Montenegro skin test survey among Amerindians in the Xingu National Park

Aston¹,

Thorley²

1970

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygi

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A survey of the distribution of dermal leishmaniasis in British Honduras

Cited by 7 publications

References 3 publications

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in British troops following jungle training in Belize: cumulative incidence and potential risk practices

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in British troops following jungle training in Belize: cumulative incidence and potential risk practices

A review of the leishmanin skin test: A neglected test for a neglected disease

Leishmaniasis in Central Brazil: Results of a Montenegro skin test survey among Amerindians in the Xingu National Park

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About