|
| Fig. 33.8 Cutaneous leishmaniasis |
Leishmaniasis, also known as Baghdad boil, kala-azar, espundia, oriental sore, and a variety of other colorful terms, is caused by
Leishmania species, a protozoan parasite with a multicontinental distribution. Biting sand flies (
Phlebotomus species) spread the disease between humans and a large variety of wild and domestic animal reservoirs. Several species and subspecies of
Leishmania may produce infection, and the clinical manifestations and disease severity are generally species specific. Most forms cause nodules and chronic ulcerations of the skin that can spread lymphatically and lead to widespread cutaneous disease (Fig. 33-8).
Markle WH, Makhoul K: Cutaneous leishmaniasis: recognition and treatment,
Am Fam Physician 69:1455–1460, 2004.
