Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Afghani refugees

Abstract

Four Afghani refugees with cutaneous leishmaniasis presented to the dermatology clinic at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide. Three of the patients had biopsy-proven cutaneous leishmaniasis that was treated initially with topical and then oral ketoconazole, without success. Intralesional sodium stibogluconate was then used for these patients with good results. The fourth patient had several plaques of biopsy-proven cutaneous leishmaniasis, for which cryotherapy was used. This was quite efficacious; however, a small area of recurrence required re-treatment. Leishmaniasis is rarely seen in Australia, but an index of suspicion is warranted when treating persons with typical clinical features who are from endemic regions.

Molecular Epidemiology of Imported Cases of Leishmaniasis in Australia from 2008 to 2014

“…Another describes an imported case involving an 18 year old male who developed VL after a trip to Greece [18]. A third report describes four Afghani refugees who were diagnosed with CL following entry into Australia [20]. The second largest Australian study to date described 20 cases of imported leishmaniasis diagnosed over a three year period [16].…”

“…There are few recent reports describing imported cases of leishmaniasis in Australia [15–20] and as a consequence, current data on the molecular epidemiology of Australian imported leishmaniasis is lacking. Furthermore, with the increase in global travel, immigration to Australia, and the despatch of Australian military personnel to endemic regions, it is important that the current status of leishmaniasis in Australia is regularly monitored.…”

Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis Due to Leishmania infantum in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected Patient

“…However imported cases of both cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis have been reported in Australia in humans (3,8,9,10,16,18). Recently, cutaneous leishmaniasis in kangaroos, where infection was acquired locally within Australia, was reported.…”

Topical Treatment Modalities for Old World Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Review

“…Sixty-seven percent were cured completely or healed prominently in the first group but in the miconazole group, only 35% of the patients responded clinically. Although topical ketoconazole is a safe drug but did not drastically change the course of CL in four Afghani patients (Storer and Wayte, 2005). However, the number of trialed cases is too limited for a distinct conclusion.…”