Complex cutaneous leishmaniasis in a pediatric patient.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a parasitic infection caused by Leishmania protozoa and transmitted by sandfly bites, can be classified into Old World and New World subtypes. We report a case of a 2-year-old female who developed complex CL after travel to Panama. Ultimately, successful treatment required two rounds of liposomal amphotericin B. We report this case for its challenging clinical course and management.

Características de la población residente en áreas de trasmisión de leishmaniasis en el Perú, 2010 - 2022 / Characteristics of the population residing in areas of leishmaniasis transmission in Peru, 2010 - 2022

RESUMEN Introducción. La leishmaniasis es una enfermedad zoonótica endémica con amplia distribución en Perú. Objetivo. Identificar los escenarios de transmisión de leishmaniasis y la población que reside en estos, e identificar las características de las poblaciones afectadas durante el periodo 2010 a 2022. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo, transversal, ecológico con unidad de análisis el nivel distrital. Se utilizó datos de fuentes secundarias de acceso público. Resultados. En el periodo de estudio se reportaron 85 117 casos, 7 374 007(22,08%) habitantes residían en 543 distritos con transmisión continua, 11 467 420 (34,33%) habitantes que residían en 454 distritos con reporte esporádico de casos y 14 558 983(43,59%) residían en 893 distritos libres de trasmisión. El 98,16% de los casos ocurrieron en distritos con trasmisión continua, el 1,84%, en distritos con reporte esporádico de casos. La incidencia acumulada media anual fue 3,48 casos/10 000 habitantes. 18 departamentos reportaban trasmisión continua, Madre de Dios (42,45 casos/10 000 habitantes) y Cusco (15,78 casos/10 000 habitantes) tuvieron las tasas más altas. Las poblaciones de mayor riesgo son: hombres, adolescentes y jóvenes; residentes de distritos: de selva, del quintil de mayor pobreza monetaria, del quintil con mayor porcentaje con al menos 1 NBI, y del quintil de menor índice de desarrollo humano. Conclusión. La leishmaniasis tiene amplia distribución en Perú, 56,41% de la población habita en distritos que reportan casos. Existen grupos poblacionales con mayor riesgo absoluto, los cuales pueden ser blanco de intervenciones diferenciadas de prevención y control.

ABSTRACT Introduction. Leishmaniasis is an endemic zoonotic disease widely distributed in Peru. Objectives. Identify transmission scenarios and the population residing in them and identify the characteristics of the affected populations during the period 2010-2022. Methods. Descriptive, cross-sectional, ecological study with district as analysis units. Publicly accessible secondary data sources were used. Results. During the study period, 85,117 cases were reported; 7,374,007 (22.08%) inhabitants live in 543 districts with continuous transmission; 1,146,7420 (34.33%) inhabitants reside in 454 districts with sporadic reports of cases; and 1,455,8983 (43.59%) reside in 893 transmission-free districts. 98.16% of the cases occurred in districts with continuous transmission; 1.84% occurred in districts with sporadic case reports. The mean annual incidence rate was 3.48 cases/10,000 inhabitants. 18 departments report continuous transmission; Madre de Dios (42.45 cases/10,000 inhabitants) and Cusco (15.78 cases/10,000 inhabitants) report the highest rates. The populations with higher absolute risk are men, adolescents, and young people; residents: from jungle districts; from the quintile with the highest monetary poverty; from the quintile with the highest percentage with at least 1 NBI; and from the quintile with the lowest human development index. Conclusion. Leishmaniasis is widely distributed in Peru, with 56.41% of the population living in districts reporting cases. There are population groups with a higher absolute risk, which can be the target of differentiated prevention and control interventions.

Spatial analysis of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the state of Amazonas

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate, using spatial analysis, the occurrence of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) and analyze its association with the municipal human development index (MHDI) and deforestation in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, from 2016 to 2020. METHODS This ecological study, carried out from January 2016 to December 2020, included the 62 municipalities of the state of Amazonas. The incidence rate of ACL was determined in space and time. Using Multiple Linear Regression by Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Spatial Autoregressive Regression (SAR) models, the relationship between incidence rates and Human Development Index (HDI) and deforestation was analyzed., The high- and low-risk clusters were identified by employing the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic. RESULTS A total of 7,499 cases of ACL were registered in all 62 municipalities in the state. Most cases were in male (n=5,924; 79.24%), with the greatest frequency in the population aged from 20 to 39 years (n=3,356; 44.7%). The incidence rate in the state of Amazonas was 7.34 cases per 100,000 inhabitants-year, with the municipalities of Rio Preto da Eva and Presidente Figueiredo showing the highest rates (1,377.5 and 817.5 cases per 100,000 population-year, respectively). The ACL cases were clustered into specific areas related to those municipalities with the highest incidence rates. The SAR model revealed a positive relationship between ACL and deforestation. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of ACL was evident in a variety of patterns in the state of Amazonas; the high incidence rates and persistence of this disease in this state were linked to deforestation. The temporal distribution showed variations in the incidence rates during each year. Our results can help optimize the measures needed to prevent and control this disease in the state.

Uso da laserterapia de baixa potência no tratamento cutâneo da leishmaniose: um estudo quase-experimental / The use of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: a quasi-experimental study

OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos do laser de baixa potência na intervenção às lesões decorrentes da Leishmaniose Cutânea. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo quase-experimental, duplo-cego e randomizado realizado em um centro de referência do Norte de Minas Gerais. Foram alocados aleatoriamente 07 pacientes que foram submetidos ao tratamento endovenoso e curativos locais da leishmaniose cutânea, a saber: 03 no grupo controle, onde fizeram uso do tratamento convencional, e 04 no grupo experimental, que foram submetidos a aplicação da laserterapia de baixa potência, além da terapêutica habitual. Foi avaliado como desfecho primário a redução do tamanho das lesões, por meio da adaptação da ferramenta Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing. A análise dos dados foi conduzida por meio de uma estatística comparativa pareada com teste T. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos controle e experimental. CONCLUSÃO: A laserterapia de baixa potência não parece favorecer a cicatrização das lesões por leishmaniose cutânea.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy in treating lesions resulting from cutaneous leishmaniasis. METHODS: This is a double-blind, randomized, quasi-experimental study conducted at a reference center in the northern region of Minas Gerais. Seven patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous and local wound care for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Specifically, three patients were assigned to the control group and received conventional treatment, while four patients were assigned to the experimental group and received low-level laser therapy plus standard therapeutic measures. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in lesion size as assessed by the adapted Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing. Paired comparison statistics using the t-test were used for data analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the control and experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Low-level laser therapy does not appear to improve the healing of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.

Leishmania species and clinical characteristics of Pacific and Amazon cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ecuador and determinants of health-seeking delay: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) affects up to 5.000 people in Ecuador each year. L. guyanensis and L. braziliensis are the most common of the eight CL-causing Leishmania species. Earlier CL research concentrated on the easily accessible Pacific region. This study aims to describe the Leishmania species in Pacific and Amazon ecoregions, to analyze regional differences in CL patient clinical presentation, and to identify determinants of health-seeking delay. METHODS: All cases in this cross-sectional study were diagnosed using smear slide microscopy, PCR, or both. Cytochrome B gene sequencing was used to identify the causative Leishmania species in qPCR-positive samples. RESULTS: This study included 245 patients, with 154 (63%) infected in the Pacific region and 91 (37%) infected in the Amazon. Causative Leishmania species were identified in 135 patients (73% of qPCR positives). L. guyanensis was identified in 76% (102/135) of the samples and L. braziliensis in 19% (26/135). The Pacific region had a low prevalence of 6% (5/89) of L. braziliensis. For the first time, we report L. guyanensis from the central Amazon, L. braziliensis from the northern Pacific, and L. lainsoni from both the central Amazon and northern Pacific. Amazon cases had a longer median health-seeking delay in months (2.0, IQR 3.0) than Pacific cases (1.0, IQR 1.5). Prolonged health-seeking delay was associated with older age, Amerindian ethnicity, infection at lower altitudes, non-ulcerative lesions, and lesions on the lower limbs. CONCLUSIONS: In the Pacific region, health-seeking delay is relatively short and L. braziliensis prevalence remains low. Limited access to health care and stigma might explain the prolonged health-seeking delay in the Amazon. We recommend larger studies on the distribution of Leishmania species in Amazon CL cases and additional regional research into diagnostic test accuracy. Furthermore, the determinants of health-seeking delay in Ecuador should be investigated further.

Leishmaniasis cutánea en Colombia: una mirada epidemiológica / Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia: an epidemiological overview

La leishmaniasis resulta una enfermedad infectocontagiosa causada por un protozoo del género Leishmania. Esta constituye un problema de salud importante para diversas regiones de América Latina. El aislamiento social impuesta a raíz de la pandemia de COVID-19 favoreció que disminuyera la incidencia de esta entidad, pero las actividades sociales de la normalidad se retomaron paulatinamente, imponiéndose que se retomen las medidas de seguimiento y control correspondientes.

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania. Leishma-niasis constitutes a significant health problem for various regions of Latin America. The social isolation imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic favored a decrease in the incidence of this entity. However, regular social activities were gradually resumed, imposing the correspon-ding monitoring and control measures.

Exuberant case of verrucous cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis represents a public health problem that affects 85 countries. It is an endemic disease in Brazil, having an important socioeconomic impact. An exuberant case of cutaneous leishmaniasis is reported herein. A 28-year-old male patient with Down syndrome had had verrucous plaques on the back for over a year, with progressive growth. PCR of a lesion sample was positive for Leishmania braziliensis. The patient's condition was classified as atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis. He was successfully treated with amphotericin B and miltefosine. The treatment remains a challenge, given the toxicity and low cure rate of the currently recommended drugs.

Perfil epidemiológico dos casos de leishmaniose tegumentar americana no Brasil / Epidemiological profile of american tegumentary leishmaniasis cases in Brazil / Perfil epidemiológico de los casos de leishmaniosis tegumentaria americana fuera del Brasil

Objetivo: Identificar o perfil epidemiológico da Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana no Brasil no período de 2009 a 2018. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório, com abordagem quantitativa. Nesta pesquisa foram utilizadas informações de casos de Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, através da base de dados do Departamento de Informações do Sistema Único de Saúde, em todas as regiões do Brasil, no período de 2009 a 2018, sendo computados 209.129 casos. Resultados: Foram analisados 209.129 de casos no período de 2009 a 2018. Sendo o ano de 2012 com maior número de casos, e 2016 com o menor. O sexo masculino, a faixa etária de 20 a 59 e indivíduos de baixa escolaridade apresentaram maior índice de casos. Regiões de destaque em maiores números de casos, tem-se o Norte e Nordeste. Relacionado a variável raça/cor, observou-se destaque na cor parda. Conclusão: O estudo contribui para construção de novos dados, auxiliando os gestores da saúde e os profissionais no desenvolvimento de medidas para controle da enfermidade. (AU)

Objective: To identify the epidemiological profile of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Brazil from 2009 to 2018. Methods: This is a descriptive, exploratory study with a quantitative approach. In this research, information of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis cases reported in the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação was used, through the database of the Departamento de Informações do Sistema Único de Saúde, in all regions of Brazil, in the period from 2009 to 2018, with 209,129 cases being computed. Results: 209,129 cases were analyzed from 2009 to 2018. Being the year 2012 with the highest number of cases, and 2016 with the lowest. The male gender, the age group 20 to 59, and individuals with low education presented a higher rate of cases. The regions with the highest number of cases were the North and Northeast. Regarding the variable race/color, it was observed that the brown-skinned population was highlighted. Conclusion: The study contributes to the construction of new data, helping health managers and professionals to develop measures to control the disease. (AU)

Objetivo: Identificar el perfil epidemiológico de la leishmaniasis tegumentaria americana (LTA) en Brasil entre 2009 y 2018. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, exploratorio con abordaje cuantitativo. En esta investigación se utilizó información sobre casos de leishmaniasis tegumentaria americana reportados en el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Notificación, a través de la base de datos del Sistema de Información del Sistema Único de Salud, en todas las regiones de Brasil, en el período de 2009 a 2018, a donde se contabilizaron 209.129 casos. Resultados: Se analizaron 209.129 casos en el período de 2009 a 2018. 2012 fue el año con mayor número de casos y 2016 con el menor. El sexo masculino, el grupo de edad de 20 a 59 años y las personas con bajo nivel educativo presentaron un mayor índice de casos. Las regiones destacadas en mayor número de casos son el Norte y el Nordeste. En relación con la variable raza/color, se destacó el color marrón. Conclusión: El estudio contribuye a la construcción de nuevos datos, ayudando a los gestores y profesionales sanitarios en el desarrollo de medidas para el control de la enfermedad. (AU)

Cellular infiltrate in cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions and therapeutic outcome.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis is a challenge. A better understanding of the in situ mechanisms involved in the evolution and cure of the disease is essential for the development of new therapies. OBJECTIVE: Correlate histopathological and immunological characteristics of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions with clinical outcome after different treatment regimens. METHODS: The authors analyzed cellular infiltration and immunohistochemistry staining for CD4, CD8 and IL-17 in biopsy samples from 33 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis before treatment. All patients were recruited in a randomized clinical trial at Corte de Pedra (Bahia-Brazil) and assigned to receive Glucantime®, Glucantime® + Oral Tamoxifen or Glucantime® + Topical Tamoxifen. Patients were followed for 2 to 6 months to define disease outcome. RESULTS: A similar expression of CD4, CD8 and IL-17 was observed in lesion samples regardless of clinical outcome. In general, a higher amount of CD8 cells were observed compared with CD4 cells. An important observation was that all patients whose cellular infiltrate did not contain plasma cells were cured after treatment. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Isolated quantification of TCD8 and IL-17 using immunohistochemistry is insufficient to analyze the role of these molecules in the immunopathogenesis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. In addition, the expansion of the immunohistochemistry panel would allow a more complete analysis of the immune response in situ. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of plasma cells in cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions was related to a favorable therapeutic outcome.

Hombre de 18 años con síndrome verrugoso tropical: ¿leishmaniasis o esporotricosis? / An 18-year-old man with tropical verrucous syndrome: Leishmaniasis or sporotrichosis?

Resumen | El síndrome verrugoso tropical comprende condiciones cutáneas infecciosas, crónicas y granulomatosas que cursan con placas, nódulos o úlceras verrugosas, de ahí su nombre. Este síndrome incluye la cromoblastomicosis, la esporotricosis, la paracoccidioidomicosis, la lobomicosis, la leishmaniasis y la tuberculosis cutánea verrugosa, todas ellas enfermedades de amplia distribución en áreas tropicales y subtropicales. Sus diagnósticos pueden ser difíciles y confundirse entre sí, lo cual es más frecuente entre la esporotricosis y la leishmaniasis. Para distinguirlas se recurre a criterios clínicos y epidemiológicos, y a métodos diagnósticos como intradermorreacción, examen directo, biopsia, cultivo, inmunofluorescencia y PCR, algunos de los cuales no son de uso común. El diagnóstico preciso conduce al tratamiento adecuado. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 18 años con extensas placas verrugosas en una rodilla, inicialmente interpretadas como leishmaniasis verrugosa por la clínica, la epidemiología y la biopsia. Se le trató con Glucantime® durante 20 días, pero no presentó mejoría, por lo que se tomó una nueva biopsia que también se interpretó como leishmaniasis cutánea. La revisión de ambas biopsias evidenció inflamación con granulomas abscedados y presencia de cuerpos asteroides esporotricósicos, que condujeron al diagnóstico de esporotricosis, el cual se confirmó luego con el cultivo del hongo. Las lesiones remitieron con la administración de itraconazol. La clínica y la epidemiología de la leishmaniasis y las de la esporotricosis pueden ser semejantes, por lo que la biopsia y los estudios de laboratorio son esenciales para establecer el diagnóstico. El cuerpo asteroide esporotricósico es patognomónico de esta entidad. Se revisaron los conceptos esenciales de estas condiciones y los criterios para diferenciarlas.

Abstract | The tropical verrucous syndrome includes infectious, chronic, and granulomatous skin conditions appearing with plaques, nodules, or ulcers with a warty surface which gives name to the syndrome. It includes forms of chromoblastomycosis, sporotrichosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, lobomycosis, leishmaniasis, and tuberculosis verrucosa cutis with ample distribution in tropical and subtropical areas. The diagnoses may be difficult and confused among them, especially between sporotrichosis and leishmaniasis. Clinical, epidemiologic, intradermal reactions, direct smears, skin biopsies, cultures, immunofluorescence, and PCR are used to differentiate them, although several of these methods are not commonly used. We present an 18-year-old man with extensive verrucous plaques in one knee interpreted by clinic, epidemiology, and biopsy as verrucous cutaneous leishmaniasis. He was treated with Glucantime® for 20 days without improvement. A new biopsy was made that was also interpreted as cutaneous leishmaniasis. The revision of both biopsies showed inflammation with abscessed granulomas and asteroid sporotrichotic bodies at the center of the granulomas that led to the diagnosis of sporotrichosis later confirmed by the fungus culture. The patient responded to the treatment with itraconazole. As clinical and epidemiological findings of leishmaniasis and sporotrichosis can be similar, skin biopsy and other paraclinical studies are necessary to establish a proper diagnosis. The asteroid sporotrichotic body is pathognomonic of this mycosis. We review here the essential concepts of leishmaniasis and sporotrichosis and the criteria to differentiate them.

The effect of climate variables on the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Isfahan, Central Iran.

In recent years, there have been considerable changes in the distribution of diseases that are potentially tied to ongoing climate variability. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and climatic factors in an Iranian city (Isfahan), which had the highest incidence of CL in the country. CL incidence and meteorological data were acquired from April 2010 to March 2017 (108 months) for Isfahan City. Univariate and multivariate seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA), generalized additive models (GAM), and generalized additive mixed models (GAMM) were used to identify the association between CL cases and meteorological variables, and forecast CL incidence. AIC, BIC, and residual tests were used to test the goodness of fit of SARIMA models; and R2 was used for GAM/GAMM. 6798 CL cases were recorded during this time. The incidence had a seasonal pattern and the highest number of cases was recorded from August to October. In univariate SARIMA, (1,0,1) (0,1,1)12 was the best fit for predicting CL incidence (AIC=8.09, BIC=8.32). Time series regression (1,0,1) (0,1,1)12 showed that monthly mean humidity after 4-month lag was inversely related to CL incidence (AIC=8.53, BIC=8.66). GAMM results showed that average temperature with 2-month lag, average relative humidity with 3-month lag, monthly cumulative rainfall with 1-month lag, and monthly sunshine hours with 1-month lag were related to CL incidence (R2=0.94). The impact of meteorological variables on the incidence of CL is not linear and GAM models that include non-linear structures are a better fit for prediction. In Isfahan, Iran, meteorological variables can greatly predict the incidence of CL, and these variables can be used for predicting outbreaks.

Anfotericina B Liposomal, Tratamiento Pediátrico en Leishmaniasis Cutánea con Falla Terapéutica

Resumen La leishmaniasis cutánea en Bolivia, es menos frecuente en niños. Su presencia probablemente responde a la domesticación del vector en áreas de asentamientos humanos. La anfotericina B, está indicada para el tratamiento de la leishmaniasis en adultos, sin respuesta a los antimoniales pentavalentes o sin una cura clínica de las úlceras. Esta serie de casos, tiene por objetivo compartir experiencias del empleo de anfotericina B liposomal en pacientes pediátricos con leishmaniasis cutánea y falla terapéutica a los antimoniales. Seis pacientes con estas características ingresados al servicio de Infectología del Hospital Pediátrico Manuel Asencio Villarroel, recibieron Anfotericina B liposomal 2 a 3 mg/Kg peso día, en un periodo promedio de 18 días. Se observó remisión progresiva de las úlceras durante el tratamiento y cicatrización completa a los tres meses post tratamiento. Ninguno presentó efectos adversos y las pruebas bioquímicas renales y hepáticas, se encontraban dentro de valores normales.

Abstract The cutaneous leishmaniasis in Bolivia is less frequent in children. Its presence probably responds to the domestication of the vector in areas of human settlements. Amphotericin B is indicated for the treatment of leishmaniasis in adults, without response to pentavalent antimonials or without a clinical cure for ulcers. The objective of this series of cases is to share experiences of the use of liposomal amphotericin B in paediatric patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis and therapeutic failure of antimonials. Six patients with these characteristics admitted to the Infectology service of the Manuel Asencio Villarroel paediatric hospital, received liposomal Amphotericin B, 2 to 3 mg / kg weight day, in a mean period of 18 days. Progressive remission of the ulcers was observed during treatment and complete healing at three months of post-treatment. None had adverse effects, and the kidney and liver biochemical tests were within normal values.

Clinical and epidemiological aspects of American cutaneous leishmaniasis with genital involvement

Abstract Genital lesions are an unusual presentation of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. Conditions such as disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis and HIV infection may be associated with genital involvement. The authors present five cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis with genital lesions and discuss the clinical and epidemiological aspects observed in this case series.

Clinical and epidemiological aspects of American cutaneous leishmaniasis with genital involvement.

Genital lesions are an unusual presentation of American cutaneous leishmaniasis. Conditions such as disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis and HIV infection may be associated with genital involvement. The authors present five cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis with genital lesions and discuss the clinical and epidemiological aspects observed in this case series.

Identification of Leishmania species by high-resolution DNA dissociation in cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis

Abstract Background American cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infectious dermatosis caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, which comprises a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations depending on the parasite species involved in the infections and the immunogenetic response of the host. The use of techniques for amplification of the parasites DNA based on polymerase chain reaction polymerase chain reaction and the recent application of combined techniques, such as high-resolution DNA dissociation, have been described as a viable alternative for the detection and identification of Leishmania spp. in biological samples. Objectives To identify the Leishmania species using the polymerase chain reaction high-resolution DNA dissociation technique in skin biopsies of hospital-treated patients, and compare with results obtained by other molecular identification techniques. Methods A retrospective study assessing patients with suspected American cutaneous leishmaniasis seen at a hospital in São Paulo/Brazil was conducted. The paraffin blocks of 22 patients were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction high-resolution DNA dissociation to confirm the diagnosis and identify the species. Results Of the 22 patients with suspected American cutaneous leishmaniasis, the parasite was identified in 14, comprising five cases (35.6%) of infection by L. amazonensis, four (28.5%) by L. braziliensis, two (14.4%) by L. amazonensis + L. infantum chagasi, two (14.4%) by L. guyanensis, and one (7.1%) by Leishmania infantum chagasi. In one of the samples, in which the presence of amastigotes was confirmed on histopathological examination, the polymerase chain reaction high-resolution DNA dissociation technique failed to detect the DNA of the parasite. Study limitations The retrospective nature of the study and small number of patients. Conclusions The method detected and identified Leishmania species in paraffin-embedded skin biopsies with a sensitivity of 96.4% and could be routinely used in the public health system.

Identification of Leishmania species by high-resolution DNA dissociation in cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: American cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infectious dermatosis caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, which comprises a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations depending on the parasite species involved in the infections and the immunogenetic response of the host. The use of techniques for amplification of the parasites DNA based on polymerase chain reaction polymerase chain reaction and the recent application of combined techniques, such as high-resolution DNA dissociation, have been described as a viable alternative for the detection and identification of Leishmania spp. in biological samples. OBJECTIVES: To identify the Leishmania species using the polymerase chain reaction high-resolution DNA dissociation technique in skin biopsies of hospital-treated patients, and compare with results obtained by other molecular identification techniques. METHODS: A retrospective study assessing patients with suspected American cutaneous leishmaniasis seen at a hospital in São Paulo/Brazil was conducted. The paraffin blocks of 22 patients were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction high-resolution DNA dissociation to confirm the diagnosis and identify the species. RESULTS: Of the 22 patients with suspected American cutaneous leishmaniasis, the parasite was identified in 14, comprising five cases (35.6%) of infection by L. amazonensis, four (28.5%) by L. braziliensis, two (14.4%) by L. amazonensis+L. infantum chagasi, two (14.4%) by L. guyanensis, and one (7.1%) by Leishmania infantum chagasi. In one of the samples, in which the presence of amastigotes was confirmed on histopathological examination, the polymerase chain reaction high-resolution DNA dissociation technique failed to detect the DNA of the parasite. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature of the study and small number of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The method detected and identified Leishmania species in paraffin-embedded skin biopsies with a sensitivity of 96.4% and could be routinely used in the public health system.

Manipulación de lesiones en pacientes con leishmaniasis cutánea: serie de casos en un hospital peruano / Manipulation of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions: case series in a peruvian hospital

RESUMEN En áreas endémicas de leishmaniasis cutánea es común que los pacientes manipulen sus lesiones con tratamientos tradicionales como primera opción terapéutica. Con el objetivo de describir la frecuencia y los cambios de la manipulación de lesiones de leishmaniasis cutánea de pacientes en el Hospital Cayetano Heredia, se realizó un estudio tipo serie de casos. Se incluyeron 124 pacientes con leishmaniasis cutánea. El 54% (67/124) manipuló sus lesiones; el 92,5% (62/67) lo hizo con productos químicos, y el 43,3% (29/67), con plantas. Los cambios locales más frecuentemente reportados por los pacientes fueron aumento de tamaño de la lesión en el 35,8% (24/67) e incremento de inflamación en el 28,4% (19/67). La manipulación disminuyó la positividad del diagnóstico parasitológico en aquellos pacientes con lesiones ulcerativas.

ABSTRACT In cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic areas it is a common practice for patients to manipulate their lesions with traditional treatments as a first therapeutic option. A case series study was conducted in order to describe the frequency and the variations of the patient manipulation of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions at the Cayetano Heredia Hospital. The study included 124 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. From the patient population it was found that 54% (67/124) manipulated their lesions. Of this, 92.5% (62/67) did so with chemicals, and 43.3% (29/67) with plants. The most frequent local changes reported by patients were increased lesion size in 35.8% (24/67) and increased inflammation in 28.4% (19/67). Manipulation by patients decreased the positivity of the parasitological diagnosis in those patients with ulcerative lesions.

Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pessoas com Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana / Health-related quality of life of people with American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de pessoas acometidas pela Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana, segundo aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos. Estudo transversal, realizado na Paraíba, Brasil, em 2019. Participaram 22 pessoas com idade acima de 18 anos, em tratamento hospitalar para leishmaniose cutânea. Utilizou-se um questionário com variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas e o instrumento Medical Outcomes Survey Short-Forma-36, sendo analisados por medidas descritivas e testes estatísticos não paramétricos. O estudo foi aprovado por um Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Evidenciou-se maioria dos participantes do sexo masculino, entre 20 e 88 anos, com relação conjugal, agricultores e com cães no domicílio. Apresentaram lesão ulcerativa nos membros. Todos os domínios de qualidade de vida medidos pelo instrumento apresentaram scores baixos. Os achados desta investigação denotam a necessidade de ações de promoção da saúde e prevenção da infecção pela Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana.

The aim of this study was to analyze the health-related quality of life in people infected with American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis, according to sociodemographic and clinical data. Cross-sectional study, conducted in Paraíba, Brazil, in 2019. Twenty-two patients over the age of 18 years old in hospital treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis participated. A questionnaire with sociodemographic and clinical variables and the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form - 36 (SF-36) were used and analyzed by descriptive measures and non-parametric statistical tests. The study was approved by a Research Ethics Committee. Most of the participants were male, between the ages of 20 and 88 years old, farmers, in a marital relationship, and owned dogs. They showed ulcerative lesions on their limbs. All quality of life domains measured by the instrument presented low scores. The findings of this investigation show the need for actions to promote health and prevent infection by American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana: uma análise histopatológica e molecular em lesões de dermatites no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil / American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: a histopathological and molecular analysis of dermatitis lesions in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Objetivo: Realizar uma análise histopatológica e molecular em biópsia de pele entre as lesões de dermatites de pacientes com suspeita de Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana (LTA) no hospital de referência do estado de Pernambuco entre o período de 2016 e 2017. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo observacional, no qual todos os pacientes com lesões clinicamente sugestivas para LTA incluídos no estudo foram submetidos à coleta de biópsia de pele das lesões, as quais foram analisadas pela técnica histopatológica e PCR (Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase). Resultados: Foram analisadas 24 amostras de biópsia de pele de pacientes com suspeita clínica de LTA, por testes histopatológicos e confirmação pela PCR. As amostras foram caracterizadas pela busca do DNA de Leishmania braziliensis através da PCR. Das 24 amostras estudadas, em nenhuma foi encontrado DNA de L. braziliensis. Apenas em um caso foi detectada presença de amastigotas de Leishmania pela técnica histopatológica. Outros achados microscópicos observados foram: dermatite granulomatosa (33,33%), úlcera crônica (20,83%), carcinoma basocelular (16,66%), Leishmaniose, dermatite plasmocitária e inflamação granulomatosa (8,33%) e Hanseníase (4,16%). Conclusão: O diagnóstico histopatológico detectou um caso de LTA, porém, a PCR não encontrou DNA do parasito. A análise histopatológica mostrou que as lesões dermatotrópicas dos pacientes são oriundas principalmente de úlceras, tumores de pele e hanseníase.

Objective: Accomplish a histopathological and molecular analysis in skin biopsy between the dermatitis lesions of patients with suspected American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ATL) at the Hospital of Reference of the State of Pernambuco between the period of 2016 and 2017. Methods: This is a descriptive, observational study in which all patients with clinically suggestive lesions for ATL included in the study were submitted to skin biopsy of the lesions and analyzed by the histopathological technique and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Results: Were analyzed 24 skin biopsy samples from patients with clinical suspicion of ATL, by histopathological tests and confirmation by PCR. Samples were characterized by the search of Leishmania braziliensis DNA through PCR. Of the 24 samples studied, no DNA of L. braziliensis was found. Only in one case was detected presence of Leishmania amastigotes by histopathological technique. Other microscopic findings were granulomatous dermatitis (33.33%), chronic ulcer (20.83%), basal cell carcinoma (16.66%), Leishmaniasis, plasmacytoma dermatitis and granulomatous inflammation (8.33%) and leprosy, 16%). Conclusion: The histopathological diagnosis detected a case of ATL, however, the PCR did not find DNA of the parasite. The histopathological analysis showed that the dermatotropic lesions of the patients come mainly from ulcers, skin tumors and leprosy.

[Facial necrosis caused by orthopoxvirus : Differential diagnosis and dermatohistopathological correlation of infectious facial ulcers]. / Faziale Nekrose durch Orthopoxviren : Differenzialdiagnosen und dermatohistopathologische Korrelation infektiöser fazialer Ulzera.

This article reports the remarkable course of a facial ulcer in a patient receiving prednisolone for Crohn's disease. Based on the initially unclear origin of the ulcer the patient received a triple anti-infective treatment (antiviral, antibiotic, antimycotic) but the lesion showed a rapid progression. An orthopoxvirus infection could be verified later by extensive diagnostics and relevant differential diagnoses could be ruled out. Extensive necrotic changes were observed in the first weeks resulting in cicatricial healing after months. Human cowpox infections have been repeatedly reported in Germany and are a relevant zoonosis. Cats and rodents are main carriers. The differential diagnoses include infections caused by other bacterial, mycobacterial, mycotic and parasitic agents that are thoroughly discussed here both clinically and histopathologically. Especially cutaneous leishmaniasis must be named as the incidence is continuously rising. With inadequate treatment infectious facial ulcers may give rise to life-threatening complications and extensive disfiguring scarring, therefore treatment must be initiated in a timely manner.