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Cutaneous leishmaniasis: therapeutic strategies and future directions

Mahreen Ameen1

  • 1Royal Free Hospital, Department of Dermatology, London NW3 2QG, UK. mahreenameen@hotmail.com

Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|October 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Cutaneous leishmaniasis treatments vary by species and region. Existing therapies have limitations, while newer options show promise but face accessibility challenges for this neglected tropical disease.

Area of Science:

  • Tropical medicine
  • Parasitology
  • Infectious diseases

Background:

  • Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a tropical infection caused by Leishmania protozoa.
  • Clinical presentation and treatment response vary significantly by species and geographic region.
  • Traditional treatments face challenges including toxicity, administration route, and drug resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing and emerging therapies for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
  • To explore factors influencing treatment response variations.
  • To highlight challenges in developing new drugs for this neglected disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of traditional and newer antileishmanial pharmacotherapies.
  • Analysis of treatment efficacy, tolerability, and resistance patterns.
  • Examination of economic and accessibility factors in treatment selection.

Main Results:

  • Traditional agents (antimonials, pentamidine, amphotericin) have significant limitations.
  • Oral miltefosine demonstrates efficacy and better tolerability.
  • High costs and accessibility issues hinder systemic pharmacotherapies in developing countries.

Conclusions:

  • Despite advances, drug development for cutaneous leishmaniasis lags, impacting millions in poverty.
  • A balance of existing treatment merits and emerging options is crucial.
  • Addressing cost and accessibility is vital for effective disease management.

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