Can cutaneous leishmaniasis become visceral?

Both cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis may result in disfigurement, but mucosal involvement is generally more serious. Two organisms, L. donovani and L. infantum, cause most cases of visceral leishmaniasis, the most serious form.

What is cutaneous leishmaniasis?

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of leishmaniasis. It is caused by over 15 different species of the protozoan parasite Leishmania, transmitted by infected female sandflies. Although cutaneous leishmaniasis is not life-threatening, it can have devastating effects on local communities.

What is the treatment of leishmaniasis?

The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for the treatment of leishmaniasis are intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) for VL and oral miltefosine for CL, ML, and VL caused by particular species.

What kind of disease is visceral leishmaniasis caused by?

Visceral leishmaniasis usually is caused by the species L. donovani and L. infantum (L. chagasi generally is considered synonymous with L. infantum) and affects internal organs (particularly, spleen, liver, and bone marrow).

What’s the difference between cutaneous and cutaneous leishmaniasis?

Unless otherwise specified, cutaneous leishmaniasis refers to localized cutaneous leishmaniasis, rather than to much less common forms, such as diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis and disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis. Different Leishmania species cause Old World versus New World (American) cutaneous leishmaniasis.

How is leishmaniasis a neglected tropical disease ( NTD )?

Leishmaniasis. It is classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD). Leishmaniasis is caused by infection with Leishmania parasites, which are spread by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. There are several different forms of leishmaniasis in people. The most common forms are cutaneous leishmaniasis, which causes skin sores,…

How long does it take to cure cutaneous leishmaniasis?

The traditional duration of therapy is 20 days for cutaneous leishmaniasis (10 days may suffice in some settings) and 28 days for mucosal (and visceral) leishmaniasis. For some patients, adjustment of the daily dose or the duration of therapy may be indicated.