Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Updates in Diagnosis and Management

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2019 Mar;33(1):101-117. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2018.10.004.

Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a diverse human disease caused by more than 20 Leishmania species transmitted by the bite of an infected sand fly. Diagnostic testing is recommended to confirm infection and determine the infecting species. Treatment decisions are complex and providers should consider infecting species, patient comorbidities, extent and location of lesions, and previous treatments. There is no single universal treatment for CL and some treatment can have toxicity. Treatment should be individualized and factors, such as self-healing nature of this infection, risk of metastatic complications (ie, mucosal leishmaniasis), and patient wishes, need to be included in individual risk-benefit treatment decisions.

Keywords: Amphotericin; Antimony; Cutaneous leishmaniasis; Leishmaniasis diagnostic testing; Miltefosine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease Management*
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / diagnosis*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / drug therapy*
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Amphotericin B