The Leishmania parasite is transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies and causes leishmaniasis, which manifests in three forms: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral. Cutaneous leishmaniasis results in skin sores and ulcers, mucocutaneous affects mucous membranes, and visceral leishmaniasis, the most severe form, can affect internal organs such as the liver and spleen. Left untreated, visceral leishmaniasis can be fatal, while the cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms can cause disfigurement and permanent scarring, severely impacting the quality of life.
Treatment to eliminate Leishmania involves antiparasitic medications like amphotericin B or miltefosine, which are critical for stopping the progression of the disease and preventing disfigurement or organ failure. Clearing the parasite from the body improves skin healing, prevents mucosal damage, and restores the function of vital organs in visceral cases. Reducing the transmission of leishmaniasis requires controlling sandfly populations and improving housing conditions, which collectively enhance public health in areas where the disease is endemic.
