An epidemiological survey based on the Montenegro intradermal reaction (IDR) was carried out in San Jose de Hacha, south of the Bolivar State, Venezuela, on the occasion of an outbreak of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (LTA) in that locality. The IDR was applied to 121 of the 184 local inhabitants (65.8%), with a 33.9 rate of positive reactions (44/121). The highest percentage of positivity was observed among males (39.5%) (P < 0.05) and among adults, especially in the 31 to 40 year age group (52.4%) (chi2 = 18.28; g.l. = 6). With respect to occupation, agriculturist were the most reactive with 69%. of subjects IDR positive, in 65.9% (27/41) the reaction areas ranging from 5 to 9 mm. Active lesions of LTA were identified in 22 inhabitants and scars were detected in only seven cases. It is suggested that San Jose de Hacha is a recent focus of LTA.
American tegumentary leishmaniasis; Montenegro test; Epidemiology
