The epidemiology of dermal leishmaniasis in British Honduras: Part II. Reservoir-hosts of Leishmania mexicana among the forest rodents

摘要: Abstract 1. 1) Dermal leishmaniasis (“Bay-sore”) in British Honduras is restricted to people who penetrate the forested regions. This suggests disease be a zoonosis, with wild animals acting as source of infection for man. 2. 2) A variety and laboratory were tested susceptibility Leishmania mexicana attempts indicate potential reservoir-hosts. Of animals, only cotton-rat (Sigmodon hispidus) was readily infected. Among most susceptible hamsters, mice, gerbils rats, that order. It concluded, therefore, reservoir-hosts L. would best sought among sub-Order Myomorpha Order Rodentia. 3. 3) focus forest pin-pointed by isolation from batch sand-flies trapped selected area. About 300 insects triturated together Locke's solution inoculated into skin hamster. lesion containing LD bodies developed at inoculation site. 4. 4) isolated three different species rodents this same area: incidence follows: The “tree-rat”, Ototylomys phyllotis Merriam (Cricetidae, Rodentia), eight 20 (40 per cent.) examined. “spiny-pocket-mouse”, Heteromys desmarestianus Gray (Heteromyidae, six 58 (10.34 cent.). “vesper-rat”, Nyctomys sumichrasti Saussure one (12.5 No infections could found other mammalian areas forest. 5. 5) Infection appeared purely cutaneous lesions on tails. Abundant usually evident stained smears such histology described. 6. 6) In all respects strains rodent appear identical parasite causing human disease. Leptomonads volunteers produced long-lasting, abundant bodies. 7. 7) concluded dermal zoonosis. primarily which phyllotis, figure prominently. Other are probably also involved. Man regarded an accidental host. 8. 8) Evidence presented transmission man, agency Phlebotomus biting ground level. 9. 9) need indicated further research distribution life histories throughout forests. particular study must made their nesting habits determine possibility specific Phlebotomus—rodent association within nests. 10. 10) significance present findings discussed regard parts Central South America. Similar investigations should epidemiology muco-cutaneous leishmaniasis, due braziliensis. There number apparently distinct clinical forms New World. considered these might man leishmanial parasites normally animal hosts.