Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Symptoms

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

• Causes skin sores that develop within weeks or months of a sand fly bite
• Sores can change in size and appearance over time, starting as papules or nodules and potentially becoming ulcers
• Skin ulcers may be covered by a scab or crust, and swollen glands may occur near the sores
• Sores are usually painless but can be painful

Epidemiology and Geographic Distribution

• Found in approximately 90 countries in the tropics, subtropics, and southern Europe
• In the Old World, found in parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and southern Europe
• In the New World, found in parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America

Symptoms and Progression

• First sign is a red papule at the site of the fly's bite
• Lesion becomes irritated, itchy, and begins to enlarge and ulcerate
• Ulcer becomes hard, crusted, and exudes a thin, serous material, potentially leading to secondary bacterial infection

Laboratory Diagnosis

• Demonstration of amastigotes in properly stained smears from touch preparations of ulcer biopsy specimens
• Serological tests based on fluorescent antibody tests
• Leishman skin test in some species
• Molecular diagnosis through PCR detection, which is more sensitive and rapid

Treatment and Prevention

• Drug of choice is sodium stibogluconate
• Prevention involves avoiding endemic areas, especially during times when local vectors are most active
• Prompt treatment of infected individuals is crucial

Mucosal Leishmaniasis

• Some types of the parasite can spread from the skin and cause sores in mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, or throat
• Parasites disseminate from the skin to the naso-oropharyngeal mucosa
• Adequate systemic treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis reduces the risk of mucosal disease
• Symptoms of mucosal leishmaniasis include nasal stuffiness or bleeding, and ulcerative destruction of the naso-oropharyngeal mucosa if left untreated