Abstract

RINCON, Melvin Y; SILVA, Sandra Y; DUENAS, Ruby E  and  LOPEZ-JARAMILLO, Patricio. A report of two cases of disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis in Santander, Colombia. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2009, vol.11, n.1, pp. 145-150. ISSN 0124-0064.

Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis produced by the transmission of the protozoan leishmania caused by the bite of sand-flies from the Lutzomya specie. Several clinical manifestations present themselves, depending on the infecting strain and the host's immune response; the most frequent variety is localised cutaneous leishmaniasis. Atypical forms sometimes develop, such as the diffuse variety, in which the number of ulcers is greater than 10, thereby affecting several body areas requiring special considerations in its diagnosis and management. This article reports two cases of patients from endemic areas of Santander suffering from diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis produced by the L. panamensis strain. Protocols for the active search of this type of case in endemic areas throughout Colombia should be implemented.

Keywords : Leishmania; diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis; Colombia.