Leishmaniasis in Sardinia. IV. Epidemiological appraisal of cutaneous leishmaniasis and biochemical characterization of isolates
Bettini, S.; Gramiccia, M.; Gradoni, L.; Biggio, P.; Loi, R.; Cottoni, F.; Pau, M.; Atzeni, M.C.
Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 93(4): 262-269
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5304 PMID: 2391725 Document Number: 367396
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in Sardinia, Italy, where 250 cases were reported from 1922 to 1988. The province of Sassari, in the north of the island, shows the highest number of cases. The vertical distribution of localities where cases had occurred is analysed and the age distribution of cases is given. Isolation of parasites was attempted in 12 cases, but successful growth of Leishmania was obtained from 3 cultures only. The stocks belonged to 2 different zymodemes of L. infantum infantum: zymodeme Montpellier (ZMON) 24 (MHOM/IT/85/ISS180 and MHOM/IT/87/ ISS319)and ZMON 24-MPI variant (MHOM/IT/87/ISS309). The distribution of dermotropic L. infantum infantum zymodemes in the Mediterranean area is discussed and the presence of a possible parasite reservoir is suggested. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is endemic in Sardinia where 250 cases were reported from 1922 to 1988. The province of Sassari, in the north of the island, shows the highest number of cases. The vertical distribution of localities where cases had occurred is analysed and the age distribution of cases is given. Isolation of parasites was attempted in 12 cases, but successful growth of Leishmania was obtained from three cultures only. The stocks belonged to two different zymodemes of L. infantum: zymodeme Montpellier (ZMON) 24 and ZMON 24 MPI variant. The distribution of dermotropic L. infantum zymodemes in the Mediterranean area is discussed and the presence of a possible parasite reservoir is suggested.AS.