Cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Libyan Arab Republic: distribution of the disease and identity of the parasite.

The endemicity of cutaneous leishmaniasis in northwest Libya was confirmed. Although the strains isolated from man had variable biological properties they were all biochemically similar according to the tests used. The Libyan strains resemble those of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in parts of the Middle East, but can be differentiated from urban or highland strains. It is suggested that the recent discovery of the disease is due partly to the improvement in medical services, and partly to the development of new areas of land for agriculture and housing.