Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Leishmania spp., which can affect the skin, the disease known as cutaneous leishmaniasis, or the internal organs, known as visceral leishmaniasis.
Although leishmaniasis is more common in dogs, it can be transmitted to humans through the bites of small insects, known as sandflies. To do this, it is enough for the insect to bite a sick dog and then bite the person.
Some types of leishmaniasis do not require specific treatment and end up disappearing after a few months, however, it is always recommended to consult a doctor, as treatment with antiparasitic medicines helps to speed up recovery, in addition to avoiding some complications, such as bleeding, more infections. serious injuries and scars.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of leishmaniasis vary depending on the type of disease:
1. Cutaneous leishmaniasis
In many cases, cutaneous leishmaniasis is a silent infection, which means that it may not cause any symptoms, disappearing without the person ever knowing it existed.
However, when it causes symptoms, the main sign is the appearance of a small lump at the site of the bite which, after a few weeks or months, turns into a large, rounded wound. Along with these changes, there may also be pain in the affected area and swelling of the tongue nearby. Learn more about cutaneous leishmaniasis and how to identify it.
2. Leishmaniose visceral
The main symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis are:
- Fever above 38ºC that lasts for several weeks and may disappear and return shortly afterwards;
- Belly swelling, about 2 weeks after the onset of fever;
- Sore tongues;
- Weight loss;
- Excessive weakness;
- Dark spots on the skin;
- There may be diarrhea.
When this type of disease is more advanced, severe anemia may develop, which can lead to heart problems, as well as bleeding from the nose, eyes and stool. If treatment is not started, more serious illnesses such as pneumonia, measles or tuberculosis, which are life-threatening, often develop. Learn more about visceral leishmaniasis.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of leishmaniasis is initially made by the doctor by evaluating the signs and symptoms presented by the person. However, your doctor may recommend blood and imaging tests to differentiate it from other diseases that may have similar symptoms.
In addition, it may also be necessary to perform a spleen or bone marrow biopsy, in some cases, to confirm the diagnosis and initiate the most appropriate treatment.
Make an appointment with the nearest doctor to investigate the possibility of leishmaniasis and thus begin treatment:
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How transmission happens
Transmission of leishmaniasis to humans only occurs through the bite of an insect infected by the parasite. Leishmania spp. The mosquitoes of the genera Phlebotomus e Lutzomyia they acquire the parasite by biting an infected animal, mainly dogs and rodents, and then transmit it to people through the bite.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of leishmaniasis may vary depending on the type presented. In cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis, specific treatment may not be necessary, as skin changes tend to disappear on their own. However, the use of an antiparasitic, such as Amphotericin B, recommended by the doctor can speed up recovery.
In the case of visceral leishmaniasis, treatment is almost always necessary and is carried out using Amphotericin B or pentavalent antimonial drugs, which are stronger against the infection, but also cause more side effects.
Leishmaniasis prevention
To prevent leishmaniasis, it is important to take some precautions, such as:
- Use mosquito nets or repellent curtains on windows and doors at home;
- Apply repellent to your skin or use it frequently sprays insecticides:
- Place insecticide collars on domestic animals and vaccinate these animals;
- Avoid bathing in rivers or lakes near forests.
Furthermore, as the insect that facilitates transmission reproduces in organic matter, it is very important to avoid the accumulation of garbage and organic waste inside the home and in places close to the home.
These precautions, in addition to protecting against leishmaniasis, also protect against other diseases caused by insect bites such as Dengue, Zika or Chikungunya Fever, for example. See other ways to protect yourself against insect bites.
Bibliography
- MINISTRY OF HEALTH. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Surveillance Manual. 2017. Available at: <http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/manual_vigilancia_leishmaniose_tegumentar.pdf>. Accessed on 10 Dec 2020
- MINISTRY OF HEALTH. Visceral Leishmaniasis Surveillance and Control Manual. 2014. Available at: <http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/publicacoes/manual_vigilancia_controle_leishmaniose_visceral_1edicao.pdf>. Accessed on 10 Dec 2020
- CDC. About Leishmaniasis. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/leishmaniasis/gen_info/faqs.html>. Accessed on 10 Dec 2020
- NEVES, David P. Human Parasitology. 12 ed. Athenaeus, 69-88.
