Leishmaniasis

What is Leishmaniasis?

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania. They are transmitted to humans and other animals through the bite of infected insects, known as sand flies or phlebotomines.

There are different forms of leishmaniasis, and the main ones are:

• cutaneous leishmaniasis: characterized by skin ulcers that may appear weeks or months after the bite of the infected mosquito
• mucocutaneous leishmaniasis: a more severe form that can occur if cutaneous leishmaniasis is not treated properly. It affects the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and throat, and can lead to facial deformities
• visceral leishmaniasis: the most severe form of the disease, affecting internal organs such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. If left untreated, it can be fatal

Symptoms

The symptoms of leishmaniasis can vary depending on the form of the disease (cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral). Among the most common are:

• skin ulcers: can be single or multiple and usually have raised edges
• respiratory symptoms: nasal bleeding, difficulty breathing and hoarse voice
• fever: prolonged and persistent, one of the most frequent symptoms
• weight loss: unexplained weight loss
• weakness: occurs with a feeling of fatigue

It is important to note that symptoms can vary in severity and may develop weeks, months, or even years after infection. If leishmaniasis is suspected, it is essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes

The main causes of leishmaniasis are:

• bite of infected mosquito: the main ones are from the genus Lutzomyia, known as phlebotomines
• animal reservoirs: rodents, dogs, and other mammals can serve as reservoirs for the parasite. When mosquitoes bite these infected animals, they become carriers of Leishmania and transmit the parasite to humans
• climatic and environmental conditions: favorable temperatures and humidity can influence the presence and activity of vector mosquitoes, affecting the incidence of leishmaniasis

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of leishmaniasis involves a combination of factors, such as:

• clinical evaluation: a responsible professional evaluates the symptoms presented by the patient, such as skin ulcers and persistent fever
• serological tests: blood tests that detect the presence of antibodies against the Leishmania parasite can be performed
• biopsies: in cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis, a small tissue sample from the ulcer can be collected and examined under a microscope to identify the presence of the parasite

Treatment

The treatment of leishmaniasis depends on the form of the disease (cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral) and the specific clinical conditions of the patient. The medications used to treat leishmaniasis aim to eliminate the parasite.

This treatment should be supervised by healthcare professionals, tailored individually for each patient. Thus, the duration may vary, and it is important to follow all medical instructions, even if symptoms improve before completion.

Prevention

The prevention of leishmaniasis involves adopting various measures to reduce the risk of parasite infection:

• personal protection: use insect repellents on exposed skin, especially during outdoor activities
• animal protection: especially dogs, which can be hosts for the parasite. It is important to opt for repellent collars and keep animals in protected areas
• wound care: treat any wound or injury immediately to prevent the parasite from entering the body

References

Virtual Health Library

By Einstein Editorial Council