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Leishmaniasis (Oriental Sore)

A disease caused by Leishmania parasites, transmitted by sandfly bites; presents in cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral forms.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Leishmaniasis (Oriental Sore)?

Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, transmitted to humans through the bite of female sandflies of the Phlebotomus (Old World) and Lutzomyia (New World) genera. It is endemic in more than 90 countries worldwide.

Clinically, there are three main forms: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL, oriental sore), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL, kala-azar). The most common form in Turkey is cutaneous leishmaniasis; it is frequently seen in Southeastern Anatolia and the Mediterranean coastline.

In the cutaneous form, painless papules, nodules and ulcers that grow over months form at the sandfly bite site. In the visceral form, fever, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia develop; it can be fatal if untreated.

Symptoms

Painless ulcerated lesion in the cutaneous form (develops over months)
Raised, volcano-mouth-like appearance around the lesion
Recurrent ulcers on the face and extremities
Involvement of the nasal and oral mucosa in mucocutaneous form
Prolonged fever in the visceral form
Marked hepatosplenomegaly
Pancytopenia (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia)

Risk Factors

Living and traveling in endemic areas
Being outdoors during sandfly active hours (sunset-dawn)
Exposed skin and not using repellents
Rural area and inadequate housing conditions
Immune suppression (HIV co-infection)
Malnutrition (visceral form)
Climate change and vector spread

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Non-healing skin ulcer originating from endemic area
  • Painless, growing lesion on the face
  • Long-term unexplained fever and weight loss
  • Splenomegaly and weakness
  • New skin ulcer or fever in HIV patients

Treatment Methods

01
Intralesional or systemic pentavalent antimonial compounds in the cutaneous form
02
Amphotericin B (especially in the visceral form)
03
Miltefosine (oral option)
04
Cryotherapy and heat therapy (in the cutaneous form)
05
Spontaneous healing in some small lesions (observation)
06
Sandfly prevention (DEET, mosquito nets, timing)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.