General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

Fact sheetParasite

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis are transmitted by phlebotomas. Skin, mucous and visceral forms have different manifestations and needs for care.

Documentary Enrichment: · General information

Essentials

Group of parasitic skin, mucosal or visceral diseases transmitted by infected phlebotomas.

Agent
Leishmania spp.
Transmission or exposure
Vector

Situation and vulnerability

Immunodepression, particularly HIV-related, increases the risk of serious disease and relapse. The place of stay helps to identify possible forms and species.

Signs and limits of their interpretation

The skin form causes ulcers. The visceral form may associate persistent fever, weight loss and increased volume of the spleen or liver.

Diagnosis and monitoring

Confirmation combines examination and research of the parasite; serological tests are especially useful in the visceral form. Their value is limited for certain skin forms.

Official sources consulted on . Documentary summary, without medical rereading.

Check these benchmarks in the WHO reference →

Prevention and care

Reduce the bites by housing and body protections. Suspicion of visceral form requires rapid care; treatment depends on form, species and terrain.

Practical issues

Does successful treatment eliminate any risk of relapse?

No: The parasite may persist and immunosuppression may promote relapse. The need for follow-up depends on the clinical form and immune state.

Preparing for an exchange with a professional

  • Country, place and date of exhibition
  • Evolution of injury or fever
  • Immunodepression and former treatments

Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.

Individual decisionThe choice of a test, treatment or prevention depends on the local situation and recommendations. In case of distress, call 911.
An appointment preparation notebook on a bright table, blank calendar and document folder. AI-generated illustration.
Prevention illustration — Leishmaniose — An appointment preparation notebook on a bright table, blank calendar and document folder.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. AI illustration; it does not depict a disease, biological agent or diagnosis.

Organize my dates, documents and questions →

Related fact sheets

These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.

Compare Leishmaniose with associated sheets →

Return to directory file →

Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.