Leishmaniasis in different altitudes on Andean slope of Ecuador.

Resumen

An epidemiological survey was performed in a leishmaniasis-endemic area along highway which was established about 15 years ago on the Andean slope of Ecuador; the area ranged from 300 m to 1, 500 m above sea level. In general survey, 64 (14.3%) of the 446 subjects examined were positive for leishmanial signs. In order to know leishmanial infections in relation to the altitudes of dwelling sites of subjects, analysis was made on 224 children with 5 to 15 years of age. At 4 different sites with 500 m, 1, 000 m, 1, 300 m and 1, 500 m above sea level, the infection rates of the subjects from the individual sites were 17.4, 18.8, 5.6 and 8.8%, respectively. A statistically significant difference was recognized between the altitudes, 500-1, 000 m and 1, 300-1, 500 m (0.01 < p< 0.05, χ2= 5.314), but not between 500 m and 1, 000 m and between 1, 300 m and 1, 500 m. Leishmanial infections of the children who came from forest and highway areas were compared in each altitude. But no significant difference was found between forest and highway dewellers at any study sites.