Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of the sandfly and can cause skin disease and systemic disease. The systemic form can be fatal, but treatment with antimony-containing compounds produces a high cure rate.

Leishmaniasis, Mexicana - Lesion on the Cheek

Parasites are deposited in the skin by the bite of a sand-fly. These parasites (leishmania) produce a local sore at the site of the bite and migrate throughout the body, causing tissue destruction at distant sites. Leishmania are considered by some physicians to be at the root of the Gulf syndrome.

Leishmaniasis on the Finger

Leishmaniasis is only seen in the United States in people that have traveled outside the U.S. There are several different types of leishmaniasis, but all are transmitted by the bite of a sandfly. An initial sore develops at the site of the bite and the infection spreads through the body (systemically) from that point. This picture shows the typical appearing initial site of infection.

Leishmania Panamensis on the Foot

Leishmaniasis is only seen in the United States in people that have traveled outside the U.S. There are several different types of leishmaniasis, but all are transmitted by the bite of a sandfly. The initial sore develops at the site of the bite and the infection spreads through the body (systemically) from that point. This is how the initial site of infection typically appears.

Leishmania Panamensis - Close-Up

Leishmaniasis is only seen in the United States in people that travel outside the U.S. There are several different types of leishmaniasis, but all are transmitted by the bite of a sandfly. This is the typical appearance of the early stage of leishmaniasis.

Antibodies

Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.