Leishmaniasis

Question 1

What transmits leishmaniasis

Answer 1

Sand fly which transmits the obligate intracellular protozoa of leishmaniasis

Question 2

Variety of clinical presentations of leishmaniasis

Answer 2

Localized Cutaneous: one or more painless lesions at bite sites (volcano like) that eventually ulcerate with dusky rim
Diffuse cutaneous: multiple parasite laden nodules which do not ulcerate (can look like keloids/warts)
Mucocutaneous: may appear with cutaneous or several years after initial skin infection. FIrst involves nares with ulcerations
Visceral: Hepatosplenomegaly

Question 3

Where is leishmaniasis typically found in the world

Answer 3

Cutaneous: Middle east and South America
Visceral: India, Sudan, and Brazil

Question 4

Tx of leishmaniasis

Answer 4

pentavalent antimonial componds

Question 5

Why treat cutaneous leishmaniasis

Answer 5

accelerate cure, reduce scaring, and present dissemination to mucosal disease or relapse