Electron microscopic study on cutaneous leishmaniasis

ABSTRACT

The clinical picture and parasitological findings of 12 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis were reported. Ultrastructural study was done on the biopsied materials of cutaneous lesions and subcutaneous nodules [SCNs] of these patients. The study revealed that neither inflammatory cells nor amastigotes invaded the cutaneous nerves. The fine structure of the parasite inside the parasited macrophages was described. Some amastigotes showed lysis of their plasma membranes. The mechanism of elimination of the parasite from the lesion was discussed. Itraconazole in a dose of 300 mg/day gave a cure rate of 83.33% after 4 weeks of treatment and 100% cure rate after 8 weeks