Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Eastern Saudi Arabia. Epidemiological and clinical features in a nonimmune population living in an endemic area.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in Saudi-Arabia. Nonimmune Europeans and their families living temporarily in this area were affected by the disease in great number, resembling an epidemic outbreak. Clinical features and treatment of the disease, problems of re-infection and immunity, as well as epidemiological factors are discussed. Using biochemical methods the parasite was identified as Leishmania tropical major.