- Sodium stibogluconate
Alternate drugs:
- FLUCONAZOLE; Azole; Anti-Fungal or Metronidazole; Anti-Ameobic for cutaneous lesions
- Amphotericin B; Anti-Fungal for mucocutaneous lesions
- Pentamidine for visceral leishmaniasis
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- Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies.
- The disease is widespread in the tropics, subtropics, and parts of southern Europe.
- It’s considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD), meaning it often affects impoverished communities with limited access to healthcare.
Types of Leishmaniasis
There are three main forms of leishmaniasis:
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Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: The most common form, causing skin sores. These sores might start as small bumps but can develop into ulcers.
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Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL): Also known as kala-azar, this is the most serious form. If untreated, it’s fatal in over 95% of cases. It impacts internal organs like the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, enlarged spleen and liver, and anemia.
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Visceral Leishmaniasis
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Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis: Can initially cause skin ulcers, but eventually, the parasites can spread to the nose, mouth, and throat. This leads to partial or complete destruction of mucous membranes in those areas.
Symptoms:
- Cutaneous: Skin sores are the primary symptom, potentially painful and leaving scars upon healing.
- Visceral: Fever, weight loss, enlarged spleen and liver, anemia.
- Mucocutaneous: Skin ulcers that progress to damage mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, and throat.
Transmission:
Leishmaniasis is transmitted through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. These insects thrive in environments with poor sanitation, overcrowded housing, and malnutrition.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis involves various techniques including:
- Microscopic examination of tissue samples (from skin sores or internal organs) to detect the parasite.
- Blood tests to look for antibodies against the parasite.
Treatment:
Treatment options typically involve medications that directly target the Leishmania parasite. Specific medicine and the duration of treatment depend on the type of leishmaniasis and individual health factors.
Prevention:
- Use insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, long pants).
- Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets.
- Implement vector control measures (reducing sandfly breeding sites).
Important Notes:
- Leishmaniasis is treatable, but if left untreated, the visceral form can be fatal.
- Prompt treatment is crucial for all forms of the disease.
- If you’re traveling to areas known to have leishmaniasis, take preventative measures and see a doctor if experiencing any concerning symptoms.