Molecular diagnosis and therapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis of a returned traveler from Mexico

J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2021 Dec;54(6):1154-1158. doi: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.07.007. Epub 2020 Jul 23.

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is prevalent in Southern Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa, and Central and South America. Cutaneous leishmaniasis may spontaneously heal over time without treatment; however, risk of visceral dissemination and the impact of cosmetic defect are important concerns. We report a Case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a patient who ever traveled to Mexico before the onset of a deteriorating wound around the swollen left eyebrow. A diagnosis of infection with Leishmania mexicana was made based on histopathological examination and molecular identification. Systemic treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and ketoconazole were administered with gradual healing of the lesion. Also, this traveler case implicates that the spread of endemic parasitic diseases may be a concealed risk on the public health for Taiwan underlying globalization.

Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis; Ketoconazole; Leishmania mexicana; Liposomal amphotericin B; Taiwan.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • Humans
  • Ketoconazole / therapeutic use
  • Leishmania mexicana / genetics
  • Leishmania mexicana / isolation & purification
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / diagnosis*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / drug therapy*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / pathology
  • Male
  • Travel-Related Illness*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan
  • liposomal amphotericin B
  • Amphotericin B
  • Ketoconazole