Leishmaniasis Flashcards
(64 cards)
What is leishmaniasis caused by?
Protozoa that survive and replicate within macrophages and other mononuclear cells.
How many species of Leishmania cause human disease?
Over 20 species.
What are the main forms of leishmaniasis?
- Visceral leishmaniasis
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis
- Mucosal leishmaniasis
In how many countries does leishmaniasis occur?
99 countries or territories.
What was the estimated annual incidence of new leishmaniasis cases?
1 million new cases annually.
Which Leishmania species are primarily responsible for visceral leishmaniasis?
- L. donovani
- L. infantum (syn. L. chagasi)
- L. (Mundinia) martiniquensis
What are the prevalent species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Americas?
- L. braziliensis
- L. guyanensis
- L. panamensis
- L. peruviana
- L. mexicana
- L. amazonensis
True or False: Fewer than 100 autochthonous cases of leishmaniasis have been recognized in the US in the past 100 years.
True.
What is the significance of HIV-leishmaniasis coinfection?
It poses a growing problem in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
How is leishmaniasis usually spread in endemic areas?
By infected sand flies of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia.
What is a key factor in the transmission of Leishmania among drug users?
Needle sharing and contaminated syringes.
What are the main clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis?
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis
- Visceral leishmaniasis
- Mucosal leishmaniasis
- Disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis
- Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis
- Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis
What percentage of people with HIV-leishmaniasis coinfection in Europe have visceral disease?
95%.
What is the typical hemoglobin level in people with HIV and visceral leishmaniasis?
<10 g hemoglobin/dL.
What is a common atypical manifestation of leishmaniasis in people with advanced immunosuppression?
Mucosal involvement.
How does cutaneous leishmaniasis present in people with HIV with high CD4 counts?
Similar to those without HIV, but with a higher rate of relapse.
Which species are commonly associated with mucosal leishmaniasis in people with HIV?
- L. braziliensis
- L. guyanensis
- L. panamensis
What is the standard method for diagnosing cutaneous leishmaniasis?
Demonstration of Leishmania parasites by histopathology, cultures, smears, and molecular methods.
What is the preferred method for diagnosing visceral leishmaniasis in people with HIV?
Demonstration of leishmanial parasites in bone marrow aspirates.
What is the best way to prevent leishmanial infection for travelers?
Protecting against sand fly bites.
True or False: A vaccine against leishmaniasis is currently available.
False.
What is the preferred therapy for visceral leishmaniasis caused by L. infantum/chagasi?
Liposomal amphotericin B, achieving a total dose of 20–60 mg/kg.
What is the indication for chronic maintenance therapy in visceral leishmaniasis?
For patients with visceral leishmaniasis and CD4 count <200 cells/mm3.
Fill in the blank: The presence of Leishmania amastigotes in skin can occur in the absence of _______.
lesions.