Leishmaniasis
Alternate Names : Kala-azar
Treatment
Medicines called antimony-containing compounds are the main drugs used to treat leishmaniasis. These include: - Meglumine antimonate
- Sodium stibogluconate
Other drugs that may be used include: - Amphotericin B
- Fluconazole
- Pentamidine
Plastic surgery may be needed to correct the disfigurement caused by sores on the face (cutaneous leishmaniasis). Patients with drug-resistant viral leishmaniasis may need to have their spleen removed (splenectomy).
Prognosis (Expectations)
Cure rates are high with the proper medicine. Patients should get treated before damage to the immune system occurs. Cutaneous leishmaniasis may lead to disfigurement. Death is usually caused by complications (such as other infections), rather than from the disease itself. Death often occurs within 2 years.
Complications
- Deadly infections due to immune system damage
- Disfigurement of the face
- Bleeding (hemorrhage)
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of leishmaniasis after visiting an area where the disease is known to occur.
|
Previous
