LEISHMANIASIS

Leishmaniasis comes in three forms:

Cutaneous leishmaniasis- It is the most common form and may cause ulcers in the skin, which is the main symptom of this kind.

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis- It is a rare form of the disease. In this type, the parasites spread to your nose, throat, and mouth. This can lead to partial or complete destruction of the mucous membranes in those areas. It doesn’t heal on its own and always requires treatment.

Symptoms are:

• Ulcers in their Mouth and Nose or on their Lips
• Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Nosebleeds
• Difficulty Breathing

Visceral leishmaniasis- It is sometimes known as systemic leishmaniasis or kala azar. It damages internal organs, such as your spleen and liver. It also affects your bone marrow, as well as your immune system through damage to these organs. The condition is almost always fatal if it’s not treated.

Most cases are apparent two to six months after the infection occurred.

Symptoms are:

• Weight Loss
• Weakness
• Fever that Lasts for Weeks or Months
• Enlarged Spleen
• Enlarged Liver
• Decreased Production of Blood Cells
• Bleeding
• Other Infections
• Swollen Lymph Nodes

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose that your infection is due to the parasite leishmaniasis, you may undergone several lab tests. It is also important to share your travel history and symptoms in identifying the infection. If you have leishmaniasis, your doctor will use other tests to determine which species of Leishmania is the cause.

Tests may include:

• Skin Biopsy
• Bone Marrow Biopsy
• Blood Test

TREATMENT

Antiparasitic drugs, such as amphotericin B (Ambisome) are available to treat this infection. However, your doctor may recommend other treatments based on the type of leishmaniasis you have.

• Cutaneous leishmaniasis. It often heals without treatment. However, treatment can speed healing, reduce scarring, and decrease risk of further disease. Plastic surgery can be done to disfigurement cause by skin ulcers.
• Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Since it doesn’t heal on its own, treatment are needed. Liposomal Amphotericin B and Paromomycin can treat this condition.
• Visceral leishmaniasis. It always requires treatment. Several medications are available including Sodium Stibogluconate (Pentostam), Amphotericin B, Paromomycin, and Miltefosine (Impavido).