Late cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Abstract

To the Editor.— It was interesting to read the report of a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis encountered in the United States of America (Arch Derm 99 :455-458, 1969). We would like however to comment on the term cutaneous Late leishmaniasis, is ambiguous since it may be taken to mean leishmaniasis occurring late in life, or of late or delayed onset. The case reported typifies the form of leishmaniasis better referred to as Leishmania recidiva. We have found little value in separating the so called late cutaneous leishmaniasis into different morphologic patterns as advanced by Pettit. 1 Instead, these forms are better considered as either chronic or recidiva. This is shown in the following general classification of cutaneous leishmaniasis. 2 Localized Acute Chronic Recidiva Generalized Disseminated Leishmanid In the acute localized form, which occurs at any age, lesions are present at sites exposed to the insect vector (phlebotomus). They