Cutaneous leishmaniasis lowers the quality of life: a neglected truth.

Abstract

Dear Editor, Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by a parasite transmitted by infected female sandflies. There are 3 main forms of the disease [1]: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (Cl) is the most common form and causes skin lesions, mainly ulcers, on exposed parts of the body (see examples in Figure 1 and Figure 2). It is estimated that 600,000 to 1 million new cases occur worldwide annually. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis leads to partial or total destruction of mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and throat. Over 90% of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis cases occur in Bolivia, Brazil, Ethiopia and Peru.