Lutzomyia longipalpis and visceral leishmaniasis reported in Argentina.

Lutzomyia longipalpis is reported for the second time after 50 years in Mis iones Province, Argentina. This insect is the vector of Leishmania (L.) cha gasi, visceral leishmaniasis' parasite. The literature concerning the 16 vi sceral leishmaniasis cases in the country is reviewed. The cases were repor ted from Salta, Jujuy, Santiago del Estero and Chaco Provinces. Based on th e clinical and entomo-epidemiological data two alternative hypotheses were evaluated: a) visceral leishmaniasis in Argentina is due to the visceraliza tion of L. (V.) braziliensis or their variants, b) L. (L.) chagasi remains in enzootic foci where the human contact is very unusual. Recommendations c oncerning the management of new cases have been made in order to confirm ei ther one or both hypotheses. In consequence, the appropriate diagnosis and therapy could be arrived at according to the parasite actual identity, and the risk of outbreaks and mitigation measures could be estimated.