Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a group of infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. It is not a genetic disorder but rather an infectious disease that can affect individuals of any background. The disease manifests in three main clinical forms: visceral leishmaniasis (also known as kala-azar; ICD-10 B55.0), cutaneous leishmaniasis (ICD-10 B55.1), and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (ICD-10 B55.2). Visceral leishmaniasis is the most severe form and affects internal organs, particularly the spleen, liver, and bone marrow, causing fever, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen), pancytopenia (low blood cell counts), and hypergammaglobulinemia. Without treatment, visceral leishmaniasis is almost always fatal. Cutaneous leishmaniasis, the most common form, primarily affects the skin, producing ulcerated lesions at the site of the sandfly bite that can leave disfiguring scars. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis affects the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and throat, potentially causing severe tissue destruction of the face. The immune response of the host plays a significant role in determining disease severity and clinical presentation, and certain host genetic factors (including polymorphisms in genes related to immune function such as those in the HLA system, SLC11A1/NRAMP1, and cytokine genes) may influence susceptibility. Treatment depends on the clinical form, the Leishmania species involved, and geographic location. For visceral leishmaniasis, treatments include liposomal amphotericin B (considered first-line in many regions), miltefosine, and pentavalent antimonial compounds. Cutaneous leishmaniasis may be treated with local therapies, cryotherapy, or systemic antileishmanial drugs depending on severity. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis typically requires systemic treatment. Leishmaniasis is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions across approximately 90 countries, with an estimated 700,000 to 1 million new cases occurring annually worldwide. The disease disproportionately affects populations living in poverty with limited access to healthcare.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Common questions about Leishmaniasis