American cutaneous leishmaniasis triggered by electrocoagulation

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2018 Jan-Feb;51(1):108-110. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0306-2017.

Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is usually transmitted by infected phlebotomine sand fly bites that initiate local cutaneous lesions. Few reports in the literature describe other modes of transmission. We report a case of a previously healthy 59-year-old woman who underwent electrocoagulation to remove seborrheic keratosis confirmed by dermatoscopy. Three months later, a skin fragment tested positive for Leishmania culture; the parasite was identified as L. (V.) braziliensis. Trauma may generate inflammatory cascades that favor Leishmania growth and lesion formation in previously infected patients. American cutaneous leishmaniasis is a dynamic disease with unclear pathophysiology because of continually changing environments, demographics, and human behaviors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Electrocoagulation / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leishmania braziliensis / genetics
  • Leishmania braziliensis / isolation & purification*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction