DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Leishmaniasis

HIGH SEVERITY

A parasitic disease caused by Leishmania protozoa, transmitted by sandfly bites. Three main forms: cutaneous (skin sores), mucocutaneous (destruction of mucous membranes), and visceral (affects organs, fatal if untreated). Affects 1-2 million people annually, with 350 million at risk in 98 countries.

Global Affected

1.5M

Countries

47

Symptoms

Skin ulcers (cutaneous)
Nodules on skin
Destructive mucosal lesions (espundia)
Fever (visceral)
Weight loss
Enlarged spleen
Enlarged liver
Anemia
Bleeding
Swollen lymph nodes
Darkening of skin (kala-azar)
Nasal congestion
Nosebleeds

Treatment Options

Liposomal amphotericin B
Miltefosine
Sodium stibogluconate
Paromomycin
Pentamidine
Ketoconazole
Fluconazole
Thermotherapy (heat treatment)
Cryotherapy
Surgical excision (small lesions)
Wound care
Nutritional support

Risk Factors

1Sandfly bites
2Living in endemic areas
3Poverty
4Malnutrition
5Immunocompromise (HIV)
6Deforestation
7Urbanization
8Travel to endemic regions
9Outdoor sleeping
10Evening outdoor activities

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Skin biopsy (cutaneous)
  • 2Bone marrow aspirate (visceral)
  • 3Serological tests (rK39)
  • 4PCR testing
  • 5Culture
  • 6Microscopic examination
  • 7Xenodiagnosis
  • 8Leishmanin skin test

Prognosis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis: self-healing in months to years, scarring common. Mucocutaneous: severe disfigurement if untreated. Visceral: fatal if untreated, 95% cure rate with treatment. Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) can occur after cure. Relapse in immunocompromised patients.

Prevention

  • Sandfly control (insecticide spraying)
  • Insect repellents
  • Protective clothing
  • Bed nets (fine mesh)
  • Environmental management
  • Control of animal reservoirs
  • Early diagnosis and treatment
  • Health education

Research Status

Liposomal amphotericin B first-line for visceral. Miltefosine first oral for cutaneous. Paromomycin topical for cutaneous. Combination therapies being studied. Vector control challenging. Vaccine development ongoing. Better diagnostics needed.

Affected Countries

AfghanistanAlgeriaArgentinaBangladeshBOBrazilChinaColombiaCREcuadorEthiopiaFranceGermanyGreeceGuatemalaHNIndiaIranIraqItalyJordanKenyaKuwaitLebanonLibyaMexicoMoroccoNPNIOmanPakistanPSPAPeruPortugalQatarSaudi ArabiaSOSpainSudanSyriaThailandTunisiaTurkeyVenezuelaYemenZambia

Sources

  • https://www.who.int/health-topics/leishmaniasis
  • https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/leishmaniasis
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/leishmaniasis

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.