Leishmaniasis, an emerging imported infection: Report of 20 cases from Australia

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan infection rarely reported in Australia. However, with the advent of increased international tourism and migration of refugees from endemic regions, leishmaniasis has emerged as an increasingly imported infection. We report 20 cases (17 cutaneous, 2 visceral, and 1 post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis). These data highlight the range of species causing leishmaniasis imported in Australia and demonstrate the importance of species identification in determining proper treatment. © 2008 International Society of Travel Medicine.