A form of cutaneous leishmaniasis characterised by rural distribution of human cases near infected rodents, particularly communal ground squirrels; characterised by acute rapidly developing dermal lesions that become severely inflamed, with moist necrotizing sores or ulcers that heal in two to eight months after a two to four month incubation period; among nonimmune immigrants, multiple lesions may develop, which heal more slowly and leave disabling or disfiguring scars. A strong delayed hypersensitivity and involvement of immune complexes play a role in necrosis, which is part of the healing process and of the strong specific immunity that follows.
Synonym: acute cutaneous leishmaniasis, rural cutaneous leishmaniasis, wet cutaneous leishmaniasis.
(05 Mar 2000)