Cutaneous Leishmaniasis with Long Duration and Bleeding Ulcer

Abstract

Leishmaniasis may cause visceral, cutaneous and/or mucocutaneous diseases. Cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms are caused by a single celled parasite transmitted by sand fly bites. Although the cutaneous form of the disease is often self-limiting, it results in significant scarring and can spread to more invasive, mucocutaneous disease. Therefore, treatment may be considered to prevent these complications. We describe a case report of cutaneous leishmaniasis contracted in a healthy man in Italy (Emilian Apennines). This cutaneous ulcer healed only with intralesional injection of meglumine antimoniate. After about 18 and 30 months a scar area is still present and no satellite lesion appeared. We have had no side effects or complications due to therapy.