Ultrastructure study of experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis before and after dapsone intake

ABSTRACT

Leishmania strain was isolated from a human case of cutaneous leishmaniasis and inoculated into experimental animals. Group of infected animals were given dapsone at a dose of 25 mg/kg for 3 weeks. Results showed that infected animals suffered from autoamputation of the inoculated foot pad. On the other hand, those receiving dapsone showed complete clinical cure. Transmission electron microscope of both groups revealed the fine structure of Leishmania amastigotes. Those given dapsone showed considerable reversible changes, which did not affect parasitic virulence. The latter has been demonstrated by their ability to infect experimental animals leading to pathological lesion. It should be pointed out that patients treated with this drug and showed marked clinical response must be very carefully examined for fear of residual parasites, which may be the cause of relapse later on