Leishmaniasis.
Summary
Aronson NE(1), Musa AM(2), Satoskar AR(3)(4). Review Article Leishmaniases comprise clinically distinct diseases caused by the protozoan parasite leishmania, which is transmitted through the bite of infected sand flies. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form and manifests as a localized skin lesion. Mucosal leishmaniasis causes destructive nose, mouth, and throat lesions. Visceral leishmaniasis is a potentially life-threatening form that results from bloodborne dissemination of the
Content
# Aronson NE(1), Musa AM(2), Satoskar AR(3)(4).
*Review Article*
Leishmaniases comprise clinically distinct diseases caused by the protozoan
parasite leishmania, which is transmitted through the bite of infected sand
flies. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form and manifests as a
localized skin lesion. Mucosal leishmaniasis causes destructive nose, mouth, and
throat lesions. Visceral leishmaniasis is a potentially life-threatening form
that results from bloodborne dissemination of the parasites. The number of cases
of cutaneous leishmaniasis is increasing, particularly in the Eastern
Mediterranean region, and the prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis is decreasing
globally. Laboratory diagnosis of the leishmaniases has shifted to the use of
molecular methods to test tissue samples (e.g., skin or bone marrow), which can
be used to identify infecting species. Treatment is challenged by limited drug
choices. A recent advance is the use of combination therapies for visceral
leishmaniasis. Two human leishmaniasis vaccines are undergoing preclinical
testing or are ready for human testing.
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DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra2403309