Cutaneous leishmaniasis
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (kyoo-TAY-nee-us leesh-muh-NYE-uh-sis) is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites from the Leishmania genus. The disease is transmitted by the bite of infected female sandflies.
Etymology
The term "cutaneous" comes from the Latin cutis, meaning "skin", and "leishmaniasis" is named after the Scottish pathologist William Boog Leishman, who first identified the parasite in 1903.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of cutaneous leishmaniasis is skin sores which develop weeks to months after the person is bitten by infected sandflies. Other symptoms may include skin ulcers and lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis is typically made through a combination of clinical signs and laboratory testing. This may include a skin biopsy to examine for the presence of the Leishmania parasite.
Treatment
Treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis may include antiparasitic drugs, such as pentavalent antimonials. In some cases, the lesions may heal on their own without treatment.
Epidemiology
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is found in parts of about 88 countries. Approximately 0.7 to 1.2 million new cases occur each year.
Prevention
Prevention strategies for cutaneous leishmaniasis include vector control measures such as the use of insecticide-treated nets and environmental management to reduce sandfly populations.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cutaneous leishmaniasis
- Wikipedia's article - Cutaneous leishmaniasis
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