Mucosal Leishmania infantum infection

Parasitol Res. 2011 Sep;109(3):959-62. doi: 10.1007/s00436-011-2356-x. Epub 2011 Apr 16.

Abstract

Mucosal leishmaniasis is a well-known clinical manifestation of infections caused by species belonging to the Leishmania (Viannia) subgenus in Central and South America but not of Leishmania species endemic in the so-called Old World. We report on three cases of mucosal leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum contracted in southern Europe. Two patients were immunocompromised; one patient had no underlying condition. Lesions were located in the oral mucosa, oesophagus and nose. All lesions relapsed under standard treatment with liposomal amphotericin B. A cure was achieved after secondary and extended treatment with liposomal amphotericin B or miltefosine. Mucosal leishmaniasis contracted in southern Europe has to be considered in the differential diagnosis of lesions in the naso-buccal-oesophageal mucosa and may occur in previously healthy persons.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amphotericin B / administration & dosage
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / administration & dosage
  • Esophagus / pathology
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leishmania infantum / isolation & purification*
  • Leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous / diagnosis*
  • Leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous / drug therapy
  • Leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous / parasitology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Mucosa / pathology
  • Nasal Mucosa / pathology
  • Phosphorylcholine / administration & dosage
  • Phosphorylcholine / analogs & derivatives
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • liposomal amphotericin B
  • Phosphorylcholine
  • miltefosine
  • Amphotericin B