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Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Afghani refugees
1Department of Dermatology, The Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|April 22, 2005
Summary
Cutaneous leishmaniasis in refugees can be challenging to treat. Intralesional sodium stibogluconate and cryotherapy show promise for treating this neglected tropical disease in non-endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic skin infection endemic to several regions.
- CL is rarely encountered in Australia, posing diagnostic and management challenges.
Observation:
- Four Afghani refugees with biopsy-proven CL presented to a dermatology clinic.
- Initial treatments with topical and oral ketoconazole were unsuccessful for three patients.
- Cryotherapy was effective for one patient, though recurrence necessitated re-treatment.
Findings:
- Intralesional sodium stibogluconate proved effective in treating three patients with CL.
- Cryotherapy demonstrated efficacy but required re-treatment for a small recurrent area.
- These cases highlight the importance of considering CL in patients from endemic areas.
Implications:
- Clinicians in non-endemic regions should maintain a high index of suspicion for CL.
- Intralesional sodium stibogluconate and cryotherapy are viable treatment options for CL.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for successful CL treatment outcomes.