Epidemiologic and Clinical Progression of Lobomycosis among Kaiabi Indians, Brazil, 1965-2019.

Lobomycosis is a rare granulomatous skin disease with a high prevalence in the Amazon region. The Kaiabi Indians are an especially affected group. We studied the current epidemiologic and clinical progression of lobomycosis among the Kaiabi in Brazil, from initial case reports in 1965 through 2019. A total of 60 lobomycosis cases had been reported among the Kaiabi, and we identified 3 new cases in our review. Of 550 cases of lobomycosis ever reported worldwide, 11.5% were among the Kaiabi. We note a high incidence among female Kaiabi and a precocious onset of disease in this indigenous population. Male Kaiabi frequently are infected with the multicentric form and women more frequently exhibit the localized form. Ulcerated lesions are observed more often in the multicentric form. The prevalence among this indigenous group could be explained by genetic susceptibility and lifestyle, which exposes them to a particular agent in the habitats in which they live.

Skin diseases in indigenous population: retrospective epidemiological study at Xingu Indigenous Park (XIP) and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Skin diseases among indigenous populations have been poorly described in the literature. Risk factors linked to habits, cultural practices, genetics, and environmental characteristics can influence the frequency and clinical presentation of these diseases. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted through a review of dermatological medical records. Data were obtained over three visits to Xingu Indigenous Park (XIP). Main dermatoses were compared by gender, age, ethnicity, and village. Diseases were classified into four groups: infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, and other. RESULTS: Of the 398 patients included in the study, 54.2% were female. The participants ranged in age from 1 to 75 years (median, 10 years). The predominant ethnic group was Caiabi (49.7%), followed by Ikpeng (14.3%) and Kamaiurá (10.0%). The primary village studied was Diauarum, followed by Moigú and Morena. Infectious dermatoses were the most frequent (43.8%), followed by inflammatory (33.7%), neoplastic (15.5%), and other skin diseases (7.0%). Infectious diseases were predominant in Caiabi and Kamaiurá Indians, whereas inflammatory skin diseases were more frequent in Ikpeng and Juruna populations. We also observed a high frequency of malignancy in the Ikpeng and Trumai ethnic groups. Infectious skin diseases, except for fungal infections, were frequent in younger age groups. This trend was not replicated for neoplastic skin diseases. Uncommon dermatoses such as Heck's disease, lichen striatus, and aquagenic urticaria were also observed. Jorge Lobo's disease was not included in this analysis. CONCLUSION: Improved knowledge of the distribution of common dermatoses among different ethnic groups and villages in XIP will aid in the prevention of skin infections and skin cancer. This improved knowledge will also allow the development of skin disease guidelines that can help local indigenous health professionals.