FORTALECIMIENTO DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN CLÍNICA EPIDEMIOLOGICA DE LOS PROTOZOARIOS: LEISHMANIASIS EN LA PROVINCIA DE MANABI AÑO 2009 - PRIMER SEMESTRE DEL 2010

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a serious public health problem by the high costs of a psychological, cultural and economic partner. These aspects are of great impact for the Leishmaniasis in conjunction with malaria schistosomiasis, filariasis, trypanosomiasis, and leprosy, are considered by WHO as the six most important tropical diseases in terms of research, diagnosis and treatment. The leishmaniases are a set of very different diseases each produced by different species of protozoa belonging to the genus Leishmania. These diseases are characterized by chronic evolution involves skin, mucous membranes and viscera dependent on the species of Leishmania cause and the host immune response. These have in common causative agent (some species of Leishmania), vector (insect blood-sucking Diptera), the reservoir (vertebrates) and parasitism of mononuclear phagocytic system cells. To make the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, one must first consider the background and occupational epidemiology; know the place of origin of the patient, previous residences considering staying or visiting endemic areas of leishmaniasis. In the background also should consider the presence of previous skin lesions that may have been classified as leishmaniasis or not and that delay healing. After considering the record, the other is clinical diagnosis, which according to the characteristics mentioned inclined to define whether we can treat a cutaneous or mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Finally, to confirm the diagnosis will proceed to laboratory diagnosis. In our province there is a striking prevalence of this disease, especially in the northeast region in which there is a high rate of cases confirmed by laboratory methods. This leads us to think even in cases that were misdiagnosed due to lack of resources or lack of research, and many patients suffered for long periods always looking for a cure, for this reason that the disease becomes an institution national interest, where there are still many questions unanswered. In an effort to contribute to a better understanding of leishmaniasis in our country, and specifically directed to health professionals working in primary care where the information is restricted, you prepare the following compiles research advances in this disease and emphasizes above diagnostic methods.