Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Cuban Immigrants to Texas who Traveled through the Darién Jungle, Panama

Abstract

Abstract. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is rarely seen in the United States. Four Cuban immigrants traveled along the same route at different times from Cuba to Ecuador, then northward, including through the Darié n Jungle in Panama. These patients had chronic ulcerative non-healing skin lesions and were given a diagnosis of leishmaniasis.Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania and is spread by the bite of sand flies from the sub-family Phlebotominae.

TNF-α − 308 G/A and IFN-γ + 874 A/T gene polymorphisms in Saudi patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis

“…Now it is well known that CL infection is primarily caused by the transmitting the parasites from the female phlebotomine sandflies bite [1]. Etiology of CL infection dependents on the number of factors such as the characteristics of the parasite, type of sand-fly species, the ecological regions, current/former exposure of infection, and also on the human behavior [2,3]. It is now well documented that the leishmania has more than 22 different species but their prevalence varies from region to region [3].…”

“…Etiology of CL infection dependents on the number of factors such as the characteristics of the parasite, type of sand-fly species, the ecological regions, current/former exposure of infection, and also on the human behavior [2,3]. It is now well documented that the leishmania has more than 22 different species but their prevalence varies from region to region [3]. These L. species have a wide geographic distribution from South/North America to all over Middle East with a significant increase of number of patients in last few years in the countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Algeria and also in Saudi Arabia [2][3][4][5].…”

“…It is now well documented that the leishmania has more than 22 different species but their prevalence varies from region to region [3]. These L. species have a wide geographic distribution from South/North America to all over Middle East with a significant increase of number of patients in last few years in the countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Algeria and also in Saudi Arabia [2][3][4][5]. Furthermore, the distribution of L. species or CL also reported to have an association with the number of environmental factors including temperature and humidity.…”

The migrant crisis comes to Minnesota: a dermatologist's perspective

“…Tens of thousands of migrants from Africa, Asia, and Central America have traveled the same route . In fact, other similar cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in migrants have been reported …”

“…3 In fact, other similar cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in migrants have been reported. 4,5 What does this case mean for dermatologists? As the migrant crisis continues worldwide, physicians will encounter more patients like Mr. A who present with diseases that are nonexistent in their countries of origin or resettlement.…”