9 Questions
What is the role of sand flies in the transmission of leishmanial disease?
They carry the promastigote and transmit it to the host
What is the result of visceral leishmaniosis if left untreated?
It is 100% fatal
What is the name of the parasite that causes visceral leishmaniosis?
Leishmania donovani
What is the term for the enlargement of the spleen and liver?
Hepatosplenomegaly
What is the term for the reduction of all blood cells?
Pancytopenia
What is the treatment for cutaneous leishmaniosis?
Stibogluconate
What is the stage of the parasite found in the sand fly?
Promastigote
What is the term for the skin lesions caused by Leishmania braziliensis?
Cutaneous leishmaniosis
What is the result of Leishmania donovani infection in the host?
The parasite becomes an amastigote and infects macrophages
Study Notes
Leishmania Infections
- Leishmania donovani and Leishmania braziliensis are two species of Leishmania that infect vertebrates as hosts.
Transmission
- Sandflies are the vectors of Leishmania, carrying the promastigote stage of the parasite.
- When an infected sandfly bites a host, the promastigote enters the host and becomes an amastigote, which infects macrophages.
Cutaneous Leishmaniosis
- Caused by various species of Leishmania, including Leishmania braziliensis.
- Characterized by localized or diffuse cutaneous lesions/ulcers, often associated with sandfly bites.
Visceral Leishmaniosis (Kala Azar)
- Caused by Leishmania donovani.
- Symptoms include prolonged fever, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia.
- If left untreated, visceral leishmaniosis is 100% fatal.
Mucocutaneous Leishmaniosis
- Caused by Leishmania braziliensis.
- Characterized by mucus membrane ulcers in the nose, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, which can result in perforation and destruction of facial tissues.
- Typically occurs after cutaneous lesions have healed.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Leishmania is always found in amastigotes in macrophages, making this a diagnostic feature for all types of leishmaniosis.
- Stibogluconate is used to treat cutaneous leishmaniosis.
- Amphotericin B is used to treat visceral leishmaniosis.
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