LEISHMANIOSE TEGUMENTAR E DOENÇA DE CHAGAS. EXPECTATIVAS E PERSPECTIVAS EM UM MUNDO EM TRANSFORMAÇÃO

Abstract

Transformations in the environment are primarily linked to man’s activities but how do they affect two important vector borne endemic diseases, such as cutaneous leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease? Some may bring him into greater contact with the vectors, while others may modify the environment, creating ecological niches that favor the reproduction of the vector and the reservoir. Following this there is a potential increase in the vector population which may result in epidemic situations that are difficult to control due to their rapid appearance and magnitude.
The professional activities that bring man into contact with zoonotic ecotopes range from research scientists to personnel of the armed forces who are either on training manoevers or military campaigns. However, besides this other individuals are forced to leave their native environment due to war or social pressures caused by natural disasters, such as droughts. In such cases they may be exposed to infection when they enter the enzootic’s environment or introduce the disease into non-endemic areas. Examples of these situations abound in the cutaneous leishmaniasis literature on both sides of the Atlantic.