Leprosy and leishmaniasis

Abstract

Leprosy and leishmaniasis are tropical diseases whose clinical manifestations reflect an interaction between the host's cell-mediated immunity and the infectiousness of the parasite. In leprosy, the host immunologic response appears to be the major determinant of disease course. In leishmaniasis, on the other hand, the infecting parasite plays an important role in disease outcome. The goal of research in these diseases is to identify the host and parasite characteristics that will define those at risk for clinical leprosy (especially lepromatous leprosy), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, and disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis, so that appropriate prophylactic measures can be taken.