Description
Caused by the parasite, Leishmania. It is transmitted to humans from the bite of a sand fly. There are two forms: a cutaneous form involving the skin and mucous membranes, and a visceral form involving organs within the body. The parasite is found in every continent except Australia. In the Americas, leishmaniasis can be found in Mexico and South America.
Symptoms
The cutaneous form causes: skin sores, skin ulcers, mouth ulcers, painful swallowing.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests, biopsy and/or cultures will be done to identify the parasite. Other test will be performed to identify the damage caused by the infection.
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, biopsy and/or cultures will be done to identify the parasite. Other test will be performed to identify the damage caused by the infection.
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
Medications to kill the parasite including: meglumine antimonite, sodium stibogluconate, amphotericin B and/or pentamidine. Plastic surgery may be needed to repair the skin damage.