New and re-emerging cutaneous infectious diseases in Latin America and other geographic areas.

Abstract

Due to environmental factors and inadequate public health measures in many developing countries, new tropical infections, as well as infections that were previously isolated to remote locales, are becoming more prevalent in several areas of Latin America. This article discusses some tropical infections and infestations with predominantly cutaneous manifestations. Previously uncommon diseases such as gnathostomiasis, mycobacteria ulcerans infection, paederus dermatitis, Balamuthia mandrillaris infection, and human T-lymphotrophic virus 1 dermatitis are increasingly being reported. Well-known tropical infections such as bartonellosis, leishmaniasis, chromomycosis, larva migrans, and larva currens are also becoming more prevalent. On the other hand, the incidence of Hansen's disease, the quintessential tropical infection, is dwindling all over the globe thanks to a highly effective eradication campaign launched by the World Health Organization. Because of increased immigration and tourist travel, the number of cases of these diseases in the United States may escalate.