Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis: causes, symptoms and treatments

Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by different species of Leishmania. This is a dangerous infectious disease that is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia. Depending on the type of leishmania, the disease can manifest as visceral leishmaniasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis and mucocutaneous American leishmaniasis.

Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, is the most dangerous form of the disease. With this form, the incubation period can last from 3 weeks to 3 years. Symptoms begin to appear gradually, first general weakness of the body, then undulating fever, anemia, enlargement of the liver and spleen. This form of leishmaniasis can cause death if not detected and treated promptly.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis can manifest itself in two types. The anthroponotic type, or urban leishmaniasis, is characterized by the formation of an ulcer at the site of a mosquito bite 3-6 months after the bite. The size of the ulcer can reach 5 cm, and scarring occurs within 1-2 years. The zoonotic type, or rural type leishmaniasis, has a short incubation period that lasts up to 3 weeks. An ulcer at the site of the bite forms after a few days and can reach a size of 5 cm, and scarring occurs within 5 months.

Mucocutaneous American leishmaniasis, or espundia, is characterized by the formation of ulcers on the skin, which then spread to the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and pharynx. This form of the disease can lead to deformation of the nose and lips, as well as impaired pharyngeal function.

To diagnose leishmaniasis, blood tests and material from lymph nodes and ulcers are performed. With visceral leishmaniasis, test results show an increase in ESR, a decrease in albumin levels, an increase in globulin levels, anemia and thrombocytopenia. An additional indication of the possibility of the disease is the patient’s stay in areas endemic for leishmaniasis in the last year or two.

Treatment of leishmaniasis is carried out only as prescribed by a doctor. The main treatment includes the use of anti-leishmanial drugs, such as amphotericin B, miltefosine, paromomycin, etc. In addition to the main treatment, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent the development of adverse bacterial infections. Vitamins and antianemic drugs are also additionally prescribed, and infusions of red blood cells and plasma are performed.

Prevention of leishmaniasis involves preventing mosquito bites. To do this, you should use repellents, wear protective clothing, sleep in mosquito nets, and avoid walking at night when mosquitoes are active.

Overall, leishmaniasis is a dangerous disease that can lead to serious complications if not detected and treated promptly. Therefore, it is important to monitor your health, follow preventive measures and seek medical help at the first signs of illness.