ABSTRACT
Infectious diseases are intimately associated with several general factors such as socioeconomic level, environmental influences, educational achievement, access to health care, and geographical location, among others. A National Library of Medicine MEDLINE search of the literature published from 1980 to 1990 on infectious diseases in Hispanics was conducted. The search was performed on the general terms, communicable disease, infection, and specific infections and cross-indexed with the term, Hispanic American. Additional terms used for cross-indexes included Chicano, Latin(o), migrant/farm worker, and aliens. There has been a general waning of the total frequency of immunization-preventable diseases across the country, related to widespread routine administration of immunizations. Infections with intestinal parasites, especially soil transmitted helminths and protozoa are quite prevalent in Mexican immigrants and Hispanic migrant farm workers. An important focus for leprosy cases in the United States is located in the states bordering Mexico, that is, mainly Texas and California, in addition to the states of Louisiana and Florida.
