Binational burden of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Oiapoque, Amapá State, Brazil, bordering French Guiana

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2019 Mar 28:52:e20180256. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0256-2018.

Abstract

Introduction: American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is regarded as a public health problem in the Oiapoque basin, between Brazil and French Guiana.

Methods: Data on ACL occurrence/epidemiological profile and etiology were sourced from Brazilian health services and a reference laboratory. Rainfall correlation was also analyzed.

Results: Majority of the ACL cases were observed in adult men working as gold miners. ACL incidence peaks appeared to be linked to periods 2 months after the dry season. Migratory flow was found to be a non-negligible complicating factor in epidemiological surveillance.

Conclusions: Binational strategies are required to minimize exposure for high-risk populations.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Female
  • French Guiana / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Seasons
  • Young Adult