Leishmaniasis

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Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

Leishmaniasis

Alternative Names

Kala-azar

Treatment

Medicines called antimony-containing compounds are the main drugs used to treat leishmaniasis. These include:

Meglumine antimonate
Sodium stibogluconate

Other drugs that may be used include:

Amphotericin B
Pentamidine

Plastic surgery may be needed to correct disfigurement by destructive facial lesions (cutaneous leishmaniasis). Removal of the spleen (splenectomy) may be required in drug-resistant cases of visceral leishmaniasis.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Cure rates are high with the proper medicine. Treatment should be received before damage to the immune system occurs. Cutaneous leishmaniasis may lead to disfiguration.

Death usually results from complications (such as other infections) rather than from the disease itself. Death often occurs within 2 years.

Possible Complications

Deadly infections due to immune system damage
Disfiguration of the face
Hemorrhage (bleeding)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of leishmaniasis after visiting an area where the disease is known to occur.

References

Reithinger R. Cutaneous leishmaniasis. Lancet Infect Dis. Sep 2007; 7(9): 581-96.


Leishmaniasis


Leishmaniasis, mexicana - lesion on the cheek


Leishmaniasis on the finger


Leishmania panamensis on the foot


Leishmania panamensis - close-up

Review Date: 10/30/2007
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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