Leishmaniasis
Definition
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of the sandfly.
Alternative Names
Kala-azarCauses
There are different forms of leishmaniasis.
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis affects the skin and mucous membranes. Skin sores can resemble those due to other diseases including tuberculosis, syphilis, leprosy, skin cancer, and fungal infections. Ulcers may develop on mucous membranes.
- Systemic, or visceral, leishmaniasis affects the entire body. This form can be lead to deadly complications. The parasites damage the immune system by decreasing the numbers of disease-fighting cells.
Cases of leishmaniasis have been reported on all continents except Australia. In the Americas, leishmaniasis can be found in Mexico and south into the South American continent. Leishmaniasis has been reported among some military personnel returning from the Persian Gulf.
References
Reithinger R. Cutaneous leishmaniasis. Lancet Infect Dis. Sep 2007; 7(9): 581-96.
|
|
|
| ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.