Cutaneous leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected female sandflies. The disease presents in the skin and can cause a range of clinical symptoms, from ulcers that fully heal to destructive mucosal disease.

Etiology

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites from the Leishmania genus. The most common species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis include Leishmania major, Leishmania tropica, and Leishmania aethiopica in the Old World, and Leishmania mexicana, Leishmania amazonensis, and Leishmania braziliensis in the New World.

Transmission

The disease is transmitted by the bite of female sandflies of the genus Phlebotomus in the Old World and Lutzomyia in the New World. The sandflies are tiny, their bite is often painless, and they are most active in twilight, evening, and night hours.

Clinical Presentation

The clinical presentation of cutaneous leishmaniasis can vary greatly. The most common form of the disease causes skin ulcers on the exposed parts of the body, such as the face, arms, and legs. There may also be swollen glands near the site of the initial lesion.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis is made by identifying the parasite in a smear taken from the ulcer. The parasite can also be grown in culture from the sample. Other diagnostic methods include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry.

Treatment

Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis depends on the species of Leishmania causing the infection and the clinical presentation of the disease. Antimonial drugs, such as sodium stibogluconate and meglumine antimoniate, are the most common treatments. Other treatments include amphotericin B, pentamidine, and miltefosine.

Prevention

Prevention of cutaneous leishmaniasis includes control of sandflies and personal protection measures such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and sleeping under a bednet.

See Also

• Leishmaniasis
• Visceral leishmaniasis
• Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis

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