[Leishmanias and leishmaniasis of the New World, with particular reference to Brazil].

Problems in understanding leishmaniasis in the Americas stem partly from ignorance concerning the protozoan parasites (Leishmania) causing the disease. Until about 1960, relatively little was known of their epidemiology, their vectors, or their host species. Since that time, however, a good deal of research has been completed. On the basis of this the authors have presented a revised classification of the major species and subspecies of leishmanias in the Western Hemisphere. This new taxonomy, given in the following article, is not intended to be rigid or restrictive; rather, it is designed to help stimulate interest in unearthing the large amount of significant information about these important organisms that still remains unknown5