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Leishmaniasis



Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis, mexicana - lesion on the cheek
Leishmaniasis, mexicana - lesion on the cheek
Leishmaniasis on the finger
Leishmaniasis on the finger
Leishmania panamensis on the foot
Leishmania panamensis on the foot
Leishmania panamensis - close-up
Leishmania panamensis - close-up
Antibodies
Antibodies


Leishmaniasis

Alternative Names:

Kala-azar
Treatment:

Antimony-containing compounds are the principal medications used to treat leishmaniasis. These include:

  • meglumine antimonate
  • sodium stibogluconate


Other drugs that may be used include:

  • pentamidine
  • amphotericin B

Plastic surgery may be required to correct disfigurement by destructive facial lesions (mucocutaneous leishmaniasis). Removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be required in drug-resistant cases (visceral leishmaniasis).


Expectations (prognosis):

Cure rates are high with antimony compounds. Treatment should be accomplished before damage to the immune system occurs. Marked disfigurement may develop with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.


Complications:
  • facial disfigurement
  • fatal infections resulting from damage to the immune system
  • hemorrhage

Calling your health care provider:

Contact your health care provider if you have been in an area endemic for Leishmania and may have been bitten by sandflies, and now have symptoms suggestive of leishmaniasis.




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