Description A disease caused by...
Description
A disease caused by the parasite, Leishmania. Infection is transmitted to humans through the bite of a sand fly. There are two forms: a cutaneous form involving the skin and mucous membranes, and a visceral form involving the entire body. The visceral form can be deadly. The parasite is found in every continent except Australia and Antarctica. In the Americas, leishmaniasis can be found in Mexico and South America.
Symptoms
The cutaneous form causes: skin sores and ulcers that heal poorly, mouth ulcers, nasal congestion, breathing problems, painful swallowing. The visceral form causes: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, cough, fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests, biopsies and culture of skin or other involved tissues may be done to identify the parasite. Other tests will be performed to identify the extent of involvement of the infection and to rule out other possible causes of symptoms. A special skin test, called the Montenegro skin test, can be helpful to identify an immune response to the parasite, an indication of prior exposure.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Biopsy of the spleen and culture, Bone marrow biopsy and culture, Direct agglutination assay, Indirect immunofluorescent antibody test, Lymph node biopsy and culture, Montenegro skin test, Skin biopsy
Specialists:
Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests, biopsies and culture of skin or other involved tissues may be done to identify the parasite. Other tests will be performed to identify the extent of involvement of the infection and to rule out other possible causes of symptoms. A special skin test, called the Montenegro skin test, can be helpful to identify an immune response to the parasite, an indication of prior exposure.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Biopsy of the spleen and culture, Bone marrow biopsy and culture, Direct agglutination assay, Indirect immunofluorescent antibody test, Lymph node biopsy and culture, Montenegro skin test, Skin biopsy
Specialists:
Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
The most common medications administered to treat leishmaniasis are meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Other options include amphotericin B, Ketoconazole, miltefosine, paromomycin and pentamidine. Plastic surgery may be needed to repair the skin damage. Removal of the spleen (splenectomy) is occasionally recommended in drug-resistant cases of visceral leishmaniasis. Prevention is important to avoid re-infection. Helpful measures for people in areas where sand flies and leishmaniasis are common include the use of protective netting around the bed, screening windows, and wearing protective clothing and insect repellent.