Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Catania (Italy): persistently endemic and underestimated [Leishmaniosi cutanea: una endemia persistente e sottostimata]

Cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosed at the laboratory of Department of Hygiene of the University of Catania (Italy), from 1998-2007 were evaluated. Specifically, demographic and personal data, area of origin and temporal trend of the 97 cases confirmed by microscopy in this 10-year period were examined. The data collected shows that the disease is still widely present in this area ; on the other hand official data regarding this disease appears incomplete and shows various inconsistencies. This is due to underreporting but also to scarce knowledge of the disease by physicians. Elimination of cutaneous leishmaniasis can be achieved by controlling leishmaniasis in dogs and improving environmental conditions; this requires greater efforts not only by institutions but also by individuals.