This review outlines the present knowledge of American cutaneous leishmaniasis, a disease which, owing to the increase in international travel, is being seen with increasing frequency in Europe and North America. A knowledge of this disease is of particular importance to the military medical officer as in recent years approximately one-hundred and fifty cases of leishmaniasis have been seen in British troops who have served in Belize. Leishmania braziliensis sp. have been isolated from a number of these cases. Organisms of this complex had not previously been recorded in Belize and the Army Medical Services are therefore in a unique position to study this disease, as well as having a responsibility to ensure its correct management.