American cutaneous leishmaniasis in a northeast Brazilian city: clinical and epidemiological features

Abstract INTRODUCTION This study characterized the clinico-epidemiological profile of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) cases in Barbalha, Ceará State, Brazil. METHODS Medical records of 363 patients visiting Federal University of Cariri between 2009 and 2014 were analyzed. RESULTS ACL was more prevalent in men with low education level from rural zones. The main presentation was a single ulcer, mainly in the lower limbs, and 49.8% also presented lymphadenomegaly. The annual incidence ranged from 2.83 to 22.60 per 10,000 inhabitants. CONCLUSIONS: The rates observed in this study indicate the importance of additional research to contribute to the control of this endemic disease.