Leishmaniasis Cutaneous New World

New World Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Dangerous Disease Requiring Attention

New World cutaneous leishmaniasis, also known as American leishmaniasis, is a serious infectious disease that is found in certain regions of Latin America and the Caribbean. This disease is caused by a protozoan parasite known as Leishmania, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of sand fly hosts.

A characteristic feature of cutaneous New World leishmaniasis are ulcers and skin lesions that can lead to serious complications if not detected and treated promptly. The disease occurs in tropical and subtropical climate zones where sand flies, which are vectors for transmitting the disease, are common.

Symptoms of cutaneous New World leishmaniasis may include ulcers, which are the primary skin lesions at the site of the bite, as well as enlarged lymph nodes near the affected area. The ulcers may be painful, purulent, and heal with scarring. In some cases, the disease can spread to the mucous membranes, causing ulcers in the mouth, nose, or throat.

Diagnosis of cutaneous New World leishmaniasis requires a clinical examination as well as laboratory tests such as a biopsy of affected tissue or blood tests. Identifying the specific Leishmania species causing the disease is also an important step in prescribing effective treatment.

Treatment for cutaneous New World leishmaniasis usually involves the use of antiparasitic drugs, such as antimonal drugs or amphotericin B. The duration and regimen of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the disease, the general condition of the patient, and the specific species of Leishmania.

Prevention and control of cutaneous New World leishmaniasis is challenging because it involves managing sand fly populations as well as preventing bites and promptly treating those affected. Public awareness of methods to protect against sand fly bites, such as the use of repellents and protective clothing, is an important component of successful control of this disease.

New World cutaneous leishmaniasis poses a significant public health threat in regions where it is common. It can cause significant physical and psychological suffering in those affected, as well as have a negative impact on economic development and quality of life in affected areas.

In conclusion, New World cutaneous leishmaniasis is a serious infectious disease that requires attention and measures to prevent and control it. Timely diagnosis, effective treatment, public education, and increased sandfly control efforts are key to controlling this disease. Proper education and preventive measures can help reduce the spread of cutaneous New World leishmaniasis and improve the health and well-being of communities affected by this dangerous disease.

Leishmaniasis, or leishmaniasis, is a group of protozoal vector-borne diseases caused by various species of protozoa of the genus Leishmania (order Kinetoplastida, class Kinetoplastae).

Leishmania are crescent-shaped, with a flagellum at one end and a nucleus at the other. They are very small in size, reaching 2–6 microns in length and 0.5–1.5 microns in width.

Depending on the location of the causative agent, the disease is divided into several types, of which the most common are:

– visceral leishmaniasis caused by L. donovani;
– American leishmaniasis, caused by L. brasiliensis;
– European leishmaniasis, caused by L. infantum.

The disease can occur in various forms. The most common cutaneous form. The cutaneous form of leishmaniasis occurs in children and adults and has an acute and chronic course.

Acute cutaneous leishmaniasis is characterized by the appearance on the skin of the torso, limbs, less often the face, torso and limbs of multiple tubercles measuring 1–3 mm, sharply delimited from the surrounding healthy skin, shaped like millet grain, with the skin sinking in the center. The tubercles are bright red in color, in the center of them there is a vesicle with serous contents. The skin around the tubercles is swollen, hyperemic, often with hemorrhages. There are no leishmania in the contents of the vesicle.

Chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis manifests itself as multiple flat or hemispherical spots with clear boundaries, 2–5 mm in diameter. The color of the spots is yellowish-red, they are more intensely colored in the center. The contents of the center of the spots contain Leishmania. Unlike the acute form of the disease, no inflammation is observed around the spots.