pinta /pēn″tə/ [Sp, spot] , an infection of the skin caused by Treponema carateum, a common organism in South and Central America. The bacterium gains entry into the body through a break in the skin. Prolonged exposure and close contact appear to be necessary for transmission. The primary lesion is a slowly enlarging papule with regional lymph node enlargement, followed in 1 to 12 months by a generalized red to slate-blue macular rash. Eventually these lesions become depigmented. Diagnosis is based on serological tests and dark-field microscopic examination of scrapings from skin lesions. Treatment with penicillin G is effective. Also called azul, azula, carate, mal del pinto. Compare yaws.
