Cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania aethiopica, on Mount Elgon, Kenya

Abstract

A survey of cutaneous leishmaniasis was carried out on the slopes of Mount Elgon, Kenya, including a detailed study of two villages in which cases were known to occur. The disease appeared to be restricted to altitudes between 1750 and 1900 metres, which coincides with an escarpment region.

Vector sandflies were not found in houses and transmission appeared to be predominantly associated with caves found in the escarpment region. The parasites which were isolated were identified as Leishmania aethiopica.