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Cytologic features of "dry-type" cutaneous leishmaniasis
S Dabiri1, M M Hayes, S S Meymandi
1Pathology Department, Kerman Medical School, Iran.
Diagnostic Cytopathology
|September 19, 1998
Summary
Cellular reactions in cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions show that activated macrophages protect Leishmania parasites. Specific macrophage types and their environment prevent parasite eradication by the immune response.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania tropica.
- Understanding the host-parasite interaction is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cellular reactions in cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.
- To determine the effect of these reactions on Leishmania tropica parasite survival.
Main Methods:
- Exfoliative cytology smears from 179 patients with Leishmania tropica infections were analyzed.
- Differential counts of inflammatory cells were performed and correlated with parasite load.
- CD-68 immunostaining was used on tissue biopsies to visualize macrophage activity.
Main Results:
- Leishmania Donovan bodies were found within macrophages and fibroblasts.
- An inverse relationship was observed between parasite load and the presence of small lymphocytes, neutrophils, and type I macrophages.
- Activated macrophages (types II and III) and the parasite's surrounding matrix appear to shield amastigote parasites.
Conclusions:
- Activated macrophages and the Leishmanian milieu play a protective role for amastigote parasites against host immune responses.
- Specific cellular interactions, including cytoplasmic blebbing and cell-to-cell connections of activated histiocytes, contribute to parasite survival.