BACKGROUND In Ecuador, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is prevalent countrywide, but only one case of diffuse-CL and two cases of disseminated-CL were experienced during our research activities more than 30 years from 1982 to date. These three patients suffered from multiple lesions distributed at a wide range of the body surface, revealing difficulty to clinically differentiate each other. METH...

We present the sequencing and annotation of the Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis genome, an etiological agent of human cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Amazon region of Brazil. L. (L.) amazonensis shares features with Leishmania (L.) mexicana but also exhibits unique characteristics regarding geographical distribution and clinical manifestations of cutaneous lesions (e.g. borderline disseminat...

The cutaneous growth of Leishmania mexicana was measured in STAT6-deficient mice (STAT6-/-) and compared with that in similarly infected wild-type (STAT6+/+) mice. Following s.c. inoculation with 5 x 10(6) amastigotes of L. mexicana into the shaven rump, STAT6+/+ mice developed large, nonhealing cutaneous lesions, while STAT6-/- mice failed to develop detectable lesions during most of the cours...

OBJECTIVES We have previously demonstrated the immunomodulatory effects of physalins, secosteroids purified from Physalis angulata. Here we investigate the antileishmanial activity of physalins in vitro and in vivo in a model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. METHODS The antileishmanial activity of physalins B, D and F was tested in Leishmania-infected macrophage cultures. For the in vivo studies, ...

A 46 year-old man, agriculturist, presented with an eight-month history of skin lesions all over his body. Patient did not refer systemic symptoms; however he was a heavy alcoholic drinker until three months after the beginning of disease, when he stopped drinking. Physical exam was inconspicuous except for multiples skin lesions (papular, crusted or ulcerated) on face, trunk (Panels A and B), ...

The parasite responsible for autochthonous cutaneous leishmaniasis in Martinique island (French West Indies) was first isolated in 1995; its taxonomical position was established only in 2002, but it remained unnamed. In the present paper, the authors name this parasite Leishmania (Leishmania) martiniquensis Desbois, Pratlong & Dedet n. sp. and describe the type strain of this taxon, including i...

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by vector-borne protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms result in disfiguration or mutilation, whilst visceral leishmaniasis (VL) affects multiple organs and is fatal if untreated. Notably, Leishmania are capable of establishing a chronic infection, which may reactivate years after initial infection w...

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of New World Leishmania from different types of clinical specimens has been further streamlined for field use by simplifying sample preparation and modifying published protocols. A multiplex PCR reaction was developed that allows simultaneous detection of the Leishmania genus and identification of the L. braziliensis complex. For typing isolates i...

The outcome of Leishmania infections varies substantially, depending on the host and the parasite strain; infection may be asymptomatic or cause mild or severe skin ulcers (cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL]), limited or disseminated lesions, or lethal visceral disease. We previously reported an association between IL-2R mutations and susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis in children infected with...

Leishmania parasites cause a broad range of disease, with cutaneous afflictions being, by far, the most prevalent. Variations in disease severity and symptomatic spectrum are mostly associated to parasite species. One risk factor for the severity and emergence of leishmaniasis is immunosuppression, usually arising by coinfection of the patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Interestin...