Leshmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmaniasis and transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies. It primarily affects the skin, mucous membranes, or internal organs, leading to different forms such as cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral disease. Common in tropical and subtropical regions. Leshmaniasis signs and symptoms, diagnosis and management have been explained below in detail.

Signs and symptoms of Leshmaniasis

The patients present with the following symptoms.

• Fever
• Myalgia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Splenomegaly
• Hepatomegaly
• Darkening of skin – now it’s a rear sign
• Hepatic dysfunction
• Peripheral edema

Diagnosis

A physician may advice CBC, USG, splenic smear or lesion smear, and PCR along with other base lines.

• CBC- Pancytopenia with granulocytopenia and monocytosis
• USG- splenomegaly and hepatomegaly
• Splenic and lesion smear – promastigotes and amaastigotes are seen.
• PCR – antigen detection

Management of Leshmaniasis

Treatment of Leishmaniasis depends on the type and severity, ranging from local wound care for mild cutaneous cases to systemic therapy for visceral disease.
Common treatments include antiparasitic medications such as Amphotericin B and Miltefosine, often guided by regional protocols.
Preventive measures like controlling sandflies, using insect protection, and early diagnosis are essential to reduce transmission and complications.