Valesky Eva Maria, Thaçi Diamant, Meissner Markus, Beier Christian, Wolter Manfred, Schöfer Helmut, Kaufmann Roland
Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.
J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2007 Sep;5(9):770-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2007.06377.x.
With 1-1.5 million cases reported every year cutaneous leishmaniasis represents an increasing health problem. The course of cutaneous leishmaniasis varies from a single self-healing ulcer to a persistent ulcer or progressive mucosal disease with nasopharyngeal destruction. An enormous array of topical and systemic treatment modalities has been endorsed. The response to treatment depends on the species of parasite as well as the host's immunological and genetic status. Species-specific treatment guidelines based on evidence from controlled studies are highly desirable. We present two cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis, one in a child and one during pregnancy, reviewing various diagnostic and therapeutic measures with special attention to problems in young and pregnant patients.
