The consequences of leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis

This form of leishmaniasis is typified by a chronic ulcer which usually develops in the places where the sandfly inserted its sting on the arm, face or leg. Ugly lesions subsequently form which look like the sores of a leprosy patient, evolving over several months into ulcers and sores. They leave behind scarred skin tissue and if they occur near a joint may reduce the patient's mobility.

Muco-cutaneous leishmaniasis

Not only the skin, but also the mucous lining of nose and throat are affected. The parasite is sometimes so invasive that it completely destroys the nasal partition. The nose appears to have sunken in, disfiguring the face until after the treatment has ended.

Visceral leishmaniasis

This variant is lethal. Patients run a high fever, have low blood counts, a swollen spleen and suffer weight loss. If left untreated, about 90 % of patients with this form of leishmaniasis die within 2 years.

Atypical leishmaniasis

Patients suffering from this form of leishmaniasis develop nodular lesions mostly on the face. Left untreated, these nodules can develop for months, sometimes even for several years. Fortunately, the nodules leave no scars. Studies are currently being made to ascertain whether atypical leishmaniasis can develop into visceral leishmaniasis.

Social exclusion

Leishmaniasis is not only scarring physically. The sores affect a patient's morale and ability to socialise. Like lepers, sometimes patients with leishmaniasis feel rejected and deeply humiliated.