Carrion'S Disease 2015

Infection due to Bartonella bacilliformis remains a major public health challenge in the South American countries of Peru and Ecuador. Despite multiple control efforts, major outbreaks continue to occur in these areas. Currently, there is no preventive vaccine, and thus early diagnosis and prompt treatment of cases remain the cornerstone of control and prevention. Although it is not possible to eradicate the Lutzomyia vector, epidemiological and entomological surveillance can be achieved concomitantly with vector control, including physical and chemical control to reduce the adult population. Better control of this disease requires further clinical and epidemiological studies to better understand the ecology of this Neglected Tropical Disease.