[CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN ISRAEL 2016 - AN UPDATE]

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Leishmaniasis is an endemic and increasing infectious disease in Israel.
• Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by Leishmania major, Leishmania tropica, and imported Leishmania braziliensis.
• Species distribution and clinical presentation of CL vary geographically within Israel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the current landscape of leishmaniasis in Israel.
• To describe the differing clinical courses and treatment strategies for various Leishmania species.
• To highlight advancements in CL treatment protocols.

Main Methods:

• Review of endemic and imported leishmaniasis cases in Israel.
• Analysis of species-specific clinical manifestations and treatment responses.
• Evaluation of topical, intralesional, systemic, and novel therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

• Leishmania tropica infections can be more severe and treatment-resistant than Leishmania major.
• Imported Leishmania braziliensis poses a risk of mucocutaneous involvement.
• Liposomal amphotericin B is increasingly used as a first-line systemic treatment for CL, showing high success rates.
• Oral miltefosine is now approved in Israel for CL treatment.

Conclusions:

• Accurate species identification is crucial for effective CL treatment in Israel.
• Current treatment options range from topical applications to systemic therapies, with a shift towards liposomal amphotericin B and oral miltefosine.
• Management strategies must account for species-specific characteristics and potential for severe outcomes.