Editorial Commentary: Local Treatments for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an infection caused by various species of Leishmania protozoa, which are usually transmitted by the bite of various species of phlebotomine sandflies [1]. It is a “neglected tropical disease” that causes significant morbidity and social stigmatization and also occurs in subtropical regions such as southern Europe and the southern United States. Its clinical presentations and natural history vary considerably, and although nearly all cases will eventually heal spontaneously, this can take more than a year and be complicated by secondary bacterial infections, lymphatic involvement, local recurrences, and mucosal leishmaniasis due to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis complex infections in certain New World countries. Laboratory diagnosis requires specialist parasitology and molecular biology techniques, and numerous local and systemic treatment options are available.