Amebiasis and trypanosomiasis

Abstract

Parasitic diseases, once limited to developing countries, may be seen in the United States with increasing frequency as air travel links continents. When cutaneous manifestations of these diseases are a part of the clinical picture, dermatologists are often called upon to contribute to the diagnosis. Amebiasis may result in painful anogenital ulcers; African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) often begins with the trypanosomal chancre at the site of parasitic entry, and American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) most commonly presents as Romaña's sign. Epidemiology, pathophysiology, immunology, clinical presentation, and treatment are reviewed for each of these diseases.