Résumé
The authors report an increase of the number of case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Sidi Bourouis region community of Siliana Governorate (Tunisia), with 38 cases diagnosed in 6 months (1st November 2000–30th April 2001), contrary to its usual sporadic character. The isoenzymatic identification of 15 isolated strains emphasizes the role of the
Leishmania infantum zymodeme MON-1 as an important factor in the genesis of the sporadic cutaneous leishmaniasis of Northern Tunisia. In fact it was isolated in 6 cases while
L. infantum MON-24, the usual agent was isolated in 9 cases.