LEISHMANIASIS
Description
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Symptoms
Fever
Liver - swollen
Skin - dry scaly
Skin - pale (pallor)
Skin - with ulcers
Spleen - swollen
Description
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies.
There are several different forms of leishmaniasis. The most common are cutaneous and visceral.
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis, which causes skin sores at the bite site. It is the most common type. Skin sores may appear several months after the bite.
- Visceral leishmaniasis. It happens when the parasites move to internal organs such as liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
Evolution of a mucocutaneous form of leishmaniasis.
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a rare form of recurrent cutaneous leishmaniasis that affects the mucous membranes, specially the mouth, nose, and throat. It may appear several years after the bite.
The disease is found in tropical and subtropical countries.
Diagnosis
Doctors may order the following tests and procedures to confirm the diagnosis:
- Biopsy and culture (from skin sore for cutaneous leishmaniasis or from infected tissues or organs for visceral leishmaniasis)
- Blood tests, mainly recommended for cases of visceral leishmaniasis.
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
More information:
Leishmaniasis Treatment
Leishmaniasis Healthcare Centers
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