Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection caused by many species of the protozoa Leishmania. It occurs in endemic foci scattered throughout Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean countries. The disease is complex and may simulate many skin and systemic diseases. With awareness and suspicion, however, leishmaniasis is relatively easy to diagnose. Undiagnosed, it causes considerable morbidity and mortality. Treatment is often difficult, and current therapies leave much to be desired.