Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Overview

A type of leishmaniasis characterized by skin sores, typically known as oriental sore, cutaneous leishmaniasis, Jericho boil, Aleppo boil, and Delhi boil.

The parasitic protozoa responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis, found in West Central Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Minor.

Small, round parasites found within infected cells, responsible for causing cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Sandflies of the Phlebotomus genus are the intermediate hosts and vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

The incubation period for cutaneous leishmaniasis can range from a few days to several months, with an initial red papule at the bite site.

The papule usually progresses into a spreading ulcer, which can coalesce with other ulcers to form a large sore. The ulcer typically heals within months, leaving a scar.

Secondary infections, such as yaws and myiasis, can occur, leading to complications and potential disfigurement.

Leishmania tropica is found in densely populated areas, characterized by a dry, persistent lesion with numerous amastigotes. L.major, found in sparsely populated regions, quickly ulcerates and contains fewer amastigotes.

Leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania braziliensis, characterized by skin sores that can spread to the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth.

A small, red, itchy bump that appears at the site of a sand fly bite, marking the initial infection with Leishmania braziliensis.

A sore that develops months after the primary lesion, often on the nose, mouth, or other parts of the body, marking the spread of Leishmania braziliensis infection.

A severe form of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania braziliensis that can cause extensive disfigurement of the face.

A type of sand fly that serves as the vector for transmitting Leishmania braziliensis.

The stage of the Leishmania parasite that lives inside the sand fly.

The spread of Leishmania braziliensis infection from the primary lesion to other parts of the body.

A condition caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani, characterized by fever, enlarged spleen and liver, and often leading to anemia and weight loss.

The scientific name for the parasite causing visceral leishmaniasis, discovered by Leishman and Donovan in 1900 and 1903, respectively, in India.

A group of tissues and organs, including the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes, involved in the immune response, specifically targeted by Leishmania donovani.

A type of infection where the parasite is present but symptoms are not noticeable, meaning the infection is not fully active.

The process of multiplying in large numbers within a host's body, a characteristic of parasites.

Small, round parasites found within infected macrophages, dividing by binary fission and causing the death of host cells.

The incubation period for visceral leishmaniasis can range from a few days to a year, but typically lasts two to four months.

Early symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis may include low-grade fever, malaise, and weight loss. Later stages involve enlarged liver and spleen, anemia, and potential death if untreated.

Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis typically involves finding amastigotes in tissues or secretions. Blood, spleen, bone marrow, and nasal smears are examined for parasites.

Treatment for visceral leishmaniasis involves injecting various antimony compounds, similar to treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Immunity to Leishmania donovani infections is not lifelong, and reinfection is possible. Long-term immune responses are variable and not fully understood.

The Reticuloendothelial system (RES) plays a critical role in host defense, but Leishmania parasites can significantly damage it by killing macrophages.