Experience with New World cutaneous leishmaniasis in travelers - 29/08/11
Abstract |
In recent years, New World cutaneous leishmaniasis has been seen at a higher incidence among returning Israeli travelers. Leishmania braziliensis and related species cause unsightly cutaneous lesions possibly complicated with a mucosal disease. A total of 12 patients with New World cutaneous leishmaniasis were treated in our clinic, 11 of whom (92%) acquired the disease in the Bolivian Amazon Basin. Five (42%) had regional lymphadenopathy in addition to cutaneous lesions. Polymerase chain reaction was performed for 8 patients to identify the causative Leishmania species. In all, 9 patients (75%) were cured by a single course, and 3 (25%) after an additional course of intravenous sodium stibogluconate. The treatment was well tolerated clinically. Laboratory abnormalities, mainly elevation of liver enzymes (58%), were reversible. We concluded that polymerase chain reaction is a useful tool in establishing the species diagnosis of leishmaniasis and that sodium stibogluconate appears to be a safe and effective treatment for L braziliensis infection.
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Deutsche Forschungsgemeinsschaft enabled the laboratory work by funding research on the epidemiology of leishmaniasis. Conflicts of interest: None identified. |
Vol 49 - N° 4
P. 672-678 - octobre 2003 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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