Systemic Therapy of New World Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Case Report and Review Article

Ameen Patel,Amir Abadir,Shariq Haider

doi:10.1155/2010/768645

Ameen Patel, Amir Abadir + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/768645

Copy DOI

Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a disease endemic to Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean, and affects millions of people. As travel to these regions becomes more common, cutaneous leishmaniasis is becoming a disease of increasing importance in the developed world. However, disease recognition and access to appropriate therapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis remains a challenge in North America. The present article reports a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a Canadian man following a trip to Costa Rica. Species-specific diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction analysis of a skin biopsy, which was positive for Leishmania panamensis. After failing a course of itraconazole, the patient was successfully treated with sodium stibogluconate, despite significant barriers to administering this therapy, and the paucity of data regarding its efficacy and tolerability. The pathophysiology, diagnosis and systemic treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, as well as its emerging presence in the developed world, are reviewed.

Highlights

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a disease endemic to Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean, and affects millions of people
There exists a distinct geographical classification in which the disease caused by Leishmania species that is native to Latin America is often referred to as New World leishmaniasis
According to Statistics Canada, three of the top 15 countries visited by Canadians each year are located in Latin America and the Carribean – Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic

Summary

Introduction

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a disease endemic to Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean, and affects millions of people. There exists a distinct geographical classification in which the disease caused by Leishmania species that is native to Latin America is often referred to as New World leishmaniasis. Figure 1) Cutaneous leishmaniasis of the right arm before treatment with intravenous sodium stibogluconate.

Results

Conclusion