CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN TUPI-MONDE AMERINDIANS FROM THE BRAZILIAN AMAZONIA

This paper reports the results of a cross-sectional survey aimed at ch aracterizing the epidemiology of American cutaneous leihsmaniasis (ACL ) in 3 Tupi-Monde-speaking Amerindian groups from the Brazilian Amazon region. Data include results of Montenegro skin tests (n=550), serolo gy (n=233), and physical examinations (n=676). Rates of skin test posi tivity were higher for males and differed between the groups (Gaviao 4 3.0%, Surui 52.8%, Zoro 68.1%), with a trend toward increase with age. Strong associations were also detected for the presence of suggestive ACL scars, on the one hand, and age, sex, and tribal affiliation, on the other. Although 14.7% of the subjects showed typical scars of past ACL disease, only 3 cases of active primary leishmanial ulcers were o bserved. The results did not indicate any clear association between se ropositivity and positivity to the Montenegro intradermal test or pres ence of scars. The authors discuss the epidemiology of ACL in the Tupi -Monde in the light of their ecology and recent history.