Cutaneous scars in American tegumentary leishmaniasis patients: a site of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis persistence and viability eleven years after antimonial therapy and clinical cure.

Two former patients treated for the cutaneous form of American tegumentary leishmaniasis were reviewed eight and 11 years, respectively, following clinical cure. We were able to isolate Leishmania parasites in a culture of material from the two scar biopsies, and in one of them the parasite was characterized as Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. In both cases, the histopathology revealed discreet hyperceratosis and a slight infiltrate of mononuclear cells surrounding and on the walls of the surface and deep dermal vessels. No amastigotes were seen on immunohistochemical or histopathologic examination. The Montenegro skin test result and the in vitro lymphoproliferative response to Leishmania antigen were positive, but no specific IgG and IgM antibodies were detected. Otorhinolaryngologic examination showed no macroscopic alteration in the mucosae. These findings are important for the evaluation and criteria of post-treatment cure.