Possible determination of the vector and reservoir of leishmaniasis in the Dominican Republic.

Two species of sand flies were collected by various methods from sites in the Dominican Republic. Lutzomyia cayennensis hispaniolae was the more common of the two. It was found in wooded habitats from sea level to an elevation of 442 m.

Monocyte suppression of antigen-specific lymphocyte responses in diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis patients from the Dominican Republic.

Patients from the Dominican Republic with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis showed in vivo and in vitro anergy to leishmanial antigen. Relatives of these DCL patients living in the same endemic area frequently showed skin test and lymphocyte reactivity to leishmanial antigens. This further supports the concept of specific anergy in patients with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis.

On the identity of the parasite causing diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Dominican Republic.

Three isolates from disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL) patients from an unusual focus in the Dominican Republic were studied and typed according to their behaviour in culture and experimental animals, their malate dehydrogenase (MDH) electrophoretic variant type, and excretory factor (EF) serotype. They were compared with parasites known to cause DCL in other parts of the world. On the basis of these characteristics, this parasite appears to be different from Leishmania aethiopica which causes DCL in the Old World and from both L.

Specific inhibition of lymphocyte-proliferation responses by adherent suppressor cells in diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis is characterized by multiple nonulcerative skin lesions. Histologically, these lesions are dominated by vacuolated, heavily infected macrophages, with only a few lymphocytes present. A unique focus of diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis is present in the Dominican Republic.