[Cutaneous leishmaniasis]

Abstract

Leishmaniasis includes a spectrum of different diseases that differ in their clinical appearance and severity and influence the patient's health to varying degrees. All the diseases are caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania. The simplest and most widely used classifications use the clinical features and the geographic distribution. Cutaneous leishmaniasis can be divided into localized, diffuse, recurrent or post-kala-azar. Using the geographic distribution leishmaniasis of the Old World, is found in Africa, Asia, Middle East, Mediterranean basin and India. Both, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, may develop. In contrast, New World leishmaniasis is caused by leishmania found in Central and South America and cause may cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral findings.