Interventions for American cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: On the American continent, cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (CL and MCL) are diseases associated with infection by several species of Leishmania parasites. Pentavalent antimonials remain the first-choice treatment. There are alternative interventions, but reviewing their effectiveness and safety is important as availability is limited. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2009. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of interventions for all immuno-competent people who have American cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (ACML). SEARCH METHODS: We updated our database searches of the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS and CINAHL to August 2019. We searched five trials registers. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing either single or combination treatments for ACML in immuno-competent people, diagnosed by clinical presentation and Leishmania infection confirmed by smear, culture, histology, or polymerase chain reaction on a biopsy specimen. The comparators were either no treatment, placebo only, or another active compound. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our key outcomes were the percentage of participants 'cured' at least three months after the end of treatment, adverse effects, and recurrence. We used GRADE to assess evidence certainty for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS: We included 75 studies (37 were new), totalling 6533 randomised participants with ATL. The studies were mainly conducted in Central and South America at regional hospitals, local healthcare clinics, and research centres. More male participants were included (mean age: roughly 28.9 years (SD: 7.0)). The most common confirmed species were L. braziliensis, L. panamensis, and L. mexicana. The most assessed interventions and comparators were non-antimonial systemics (particularly oral miltefosine) and antimonials (particularly meglumine antimoniate (MA), which was also a common intervention), respectively. Three studies included moderate-to-severe cases of mucosal leishmaniasis but none included cases with diffuse cutaneous or disseminated CL, considered the severe cutaneous form. Lesions were mainly ulcerative and located in the extremities and limbs. The follow-up (FU) period ranged from 28 days to 7 years. All studies had high or unclear risk of bias in at least one domain (especially performance bias). None of the studies reported the degree of functional or aesthetic impairment, scarring, or quality of life. Compared to placebo, at one-year FU, intramuscular (IM) MA given for 20 days to treat L. braziliensis and L. panamensis infections in ACML may increase the likelihood of complete cure (risk ratio (RR) 4.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 21.38; 2 RCTs, 157 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), but may also make little to no difference, since the 95% CI includes the possibility of both increased and reduced healing (cure rates), and IMMA probably increases severe adverse effects such as myalgias and arthralgias (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.96; 1 RCT, 134 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). IMMA may make little to no difference to the recurrence risk, but the 95% CI includes the possibility of both increased and reduced risk (RR 1.79, 95% CI 0.17 to 19.26; 1 RCT, 127 participants; low-certainty evidence). Compared to placebo, at six-month FU, oral miltefosine given for 28 days to treat L. mexicana, L. panamensis and L. braziliensis infections in American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) probably improves the likelihood of complete cure (RR 2.25, 95% CI 1.42 to 3.38), and probably increases nausea rates (RR 3.96, 95% CI 1.49 to 10.48) and vomiting (RR 6.92, 95% CI 2.68 to 17.86) (moderate-certainty evidence). Oral miltefosine may make little to no difference to the recurrence risk (RR 2.97, 95% CI 0.37 to 23.89; low-certainty evidence), but the 95% CI includes the possibility of both increased and reduced risk (all based on 1 RCT, 133 participants). Compared to IMMA, at 6 to 12 months FU, oral miltefosine given for 28 days to treat L. braziliensis, L. panamensis, L. guyanensis and L. amazonensis infections in ACML may make little to no difference to the likelihood of complete cure (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.23; 7 RCTs, 676 participants; low-certainty evidence). Based on moderate-certainty evidence (3 RCTs, 464 participants), miltefosine probably increases nausea rates (RR 2.45, 95% CI 1.72 to 3.49) and vomiting (RR 4.76, 95% CI 1.82 to 12.46) compared to IMMA. Recurrence risk was not reported. For the rest of the key comparisons, recurrence risk was not reported, and risk of adverse events could not be estimated. Compared to IMMA, at 6 to 12 months FU, oral azithromycin given for 20 to 28 days to treat L. braziliensis infections in ACML probably reduces the likelihood of complete cure (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.76; 2 RCTs, 93 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Compared to intravenous MA (IVMA) and placebo, at 12 month FU, adding topical imiquimod to IVMA, given for 20 days to treat L. braziliensis, L. guyanensis and L. peruviana infections in ACL probably makes little to no difference to the likelihood of complete cure (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.80; 1 RCT, 80 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Compared to MA, at 6 months FU, one session of local thermotherapy to treat L. panamensis and L. braziliensis infections in ACL reduces the likelihood of complete cure (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.95; 1 RCT, 292 participants; high-certainty evidence). Compared to IMMA and placebo, at 26 weeks FU, adding oral pentoxifylline to IMMA to treat CL (species not stated) probably makes little to no difference to the likelihood of complete cure (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.18; 1 RCT, 70 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Evidence certainty was mostly moderate or low, due to methodological shortcomings, which precluded conclusive results. Overall, both IMMA and oral miltefosine probably result in an increase in cure rates, and nausea and vomiting are probably more common with miltefosine than with IMMA. Future trials should investigate interventions for mucosal leishmaniasis and evaluate recurrence rates of cutaneous leishmaniasis and its progression to mucosal disease.

The immunotherapeutic role of regulatory T cells in Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis infection.

Leishmania (Viannia) parasites are etiological agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the New World. Infection is characterized by a mixed Th1/Th2 inflammatory response, which contributes to disease pathology. However, the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in Leishmania (Viannia) disease pathogenesis is unclear. Using the mouse model of chronic L. (V.) panamensis infection, we examined the hypothesis that Treg functionality contributes to control of pathogenesis. Upon infection, Tregs (CD4(+)Foxp3(+)) presented with a dysregulated phenotype, in that they produced IFN-γ, expressed Tbet, and had a reduced ability to suppress T cell proliferation in vitro. Targeted ablation of Tregs resulted in enlarged lesions, increased parasite load, and enhanced production of IL-17 and IFN-γ, with no change in IL-10 and IL-13 levels. This indicated that an increased inflammatory response was commensurate with disease exacerbation and that the remaining impaired Tregs were important in regulation of disease pathology. Conversely, adoptive transfer of Tregs from naive mice halted disease progression, lowered parasite burden, and reduced cytokine production (IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, IFN-γ). Because Tregs appeared to be important for controlling infection, we hypothesized that their expansion could be used as an immunotherapeutic treatment approach. As a proof of principle, chronically infected mice were treated with rIL-2/anti-IL-2 Ab complex to expand Tregs. Treatment transitorily increased the numbers and percentage of Tregs (draining lymph node, spleen), which resulted in reduced cytokine responses, ameliorated lesions, and reduced parasite load (10(5)-fold). Thus, immunotherapy targeting Tregs could provide an alternate treatment strategy for leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) parasites.

Leishmaniasis mucocut nea con presentacion atipica: setenta anos posprimoinfeccion / Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis with atypical presentation: seventy years after primary infection

Las leishmaniasis son un grupo de enfermedades tropicales causadas por par sitos protozoarios del g‚nero Leishmania. Hayal menos 20 especies de Leishmania, cada una puede causar una enfermedad espec¡fica relacionada a la especie ya la respuesta inmunol gica del hu‚sped. Se presenta el caso de un paciente var¢n de 87 a¤os, con el diagn¢stico de leishmaniasis mucocut nea, setenta a¤os despu‚s de la primoinfecci n, cuya presentaci¢n se inicia en la zona cut nea y compromete la mucosa nasal por extensi¢n. Tiene antecedente de hace 70 a¤os de lesi¢n ulcerativa que se resolvi¢ espont neamente en un viaje a  rea end‚mica de leishmaniasis en Per£, desde entonces nunca viaj¢ fuera de Lima. El paciente fue diagnosticado de leishmaniasis por histopatologia y PCR de las lesiones. Fue tratado con estibogluconato de sodio, 20 mglkgld, intramuscular, cada 12 horas, por 28 d¡as, con per¡odos de descanso de 7 d¡as. Present¢ curaci¢n cl¡nica completa de las lesiones infiltradas y ulcerativas.

Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease witli a wide clinical spectrum caused by protoioan parasites of the genus Leishmania. There are at least 20 species of Leishmania, each may cause a disease specific to the species and the host immunological response. We present the case of a 87 year old male patient, We found he had an ulcerative lesion on his left arm 70 years prior, that spontaneously heal, while he traveled to an endemic area for leishmaniasis in Peru. Since then he had never traveled outside his city. The patient was diagnosed of leishmaniasis by histopathology and PCR from the lesions. He was treated with systemic sodium stibogluconate (20 mg/kg/d) for 28 days with complete clinical healing of the ulcerative lesions.

Cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.

Tegumentary leishmaniases are caused by approximately 15 species of protozoa of the genus Leishmania. They prevail in tropical and subtropical areas of the Old and New World but human mobility also makes them a medical problem in nonendemic areas. Clinical manifestations may comprise cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms that may be localized, disseminated, or diffuse in distribution and may differ in Old and New World leishmaniases. Diagnosis and treatment vary according to the clinical manifestations, geographic area, and Leishmania species involved. This article highlights the diversity and complexity of tegumentary leishmaniases, which are worsened by human immunodeficiency virus/Leishmania coinfection.

Leishmaniose muco-cutânea: relato de caso clínico / Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis: a case report

Leishmaniose muco-cutânea é, dentre as variantes da doença tegumentar, uma infecção causada pelo protozoárioLeishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, acometendo pele e mucosas com o desenvolvimento de úlceras. Este trabalhotem por objetivo relatar o caso clínico de um paciente, apresentando lesão ulcerada em região de asa donariz e soalho nasal do lado direito. Em associação havia uma lesão avançada em glande peniana cominfecção secundária. Diante dos achados clínicos, teve-se como diagnóstico provável leishmaniose mucocutânea,o qual foi sugerido pelo exame histopatológico, após biópsia incisional da lesão. Terapêutica medicamentosa específica foi administrada, e o paciente encontra-se com remissão da sintomatologia e em observação.

Localized mucosal leishmaniasis due to Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum: clinical and microbiologic findings in 31 patients.

The clinical and microbiologic characteristics of 31 patients with mucosal leishmaniasis due to Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum are described. Twenty-eight (90%) patients were male. Mean age at presentation was 48 +/- 14 years. Thirteen (42%) patients had no underlying disease, while 18 (58%) patients had several other medical conditions. Fifteen (48%) patients were immunocompromised, 7 patients were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and 3 were graft recipients. The primary location of lesions was the larynx in 11 (35%) patients, oral mucosa in 10 (32%) patients, and the nose in 5 (16%) patients. Mucosal lesions were painless in all patients but 2 and consisted of whitish, red, or violaceous nodular swelling or tumorlike masses. Ulceration was reported in 6 patients. Pathologically, the lesions showed a chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Granuloma may be seen. The localization of the lesions determined the symptomatology of the disease. Symptoms included hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and nasal obstruction. The disease presentation was usually protracted, with a mean time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis of 13 months (range, 3 wk-4.5 yr), and the clinical diagnosis was usually mistaken for neoplasia of the upper aerodigestive tract. No laboratory abnormalities were found in these patients due to the localized disease, apart from those attributed to underlying diseases. Parasites were easily identified in smears or sections by Giemsa stain or hematoxylin-eosin stain. Leishmania was grown in culture in 12 (60%) patients; culture was negative in 8 (40%) patients. Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum was identified in only 9 instances. The following zymodemes were reported: MON-1 (2 patients), MON-24 (2 patients), MON-27 (1 patient), and MON-34 (1 patient). Serologic test results were known in 25 patients. Serology was usually positive at low titer; 6 (24%) patients had negative serologic test results. Twenty patients were treated with antimonial compounds for between 3 and 36 days. Three patients were given drugs other than antimonial drugs. Five patients were treated only locally, by surgery (3 patients) or topical medical therapy. One patient received no therapy, and treatment was not reported in 2 cases. Patients were cured in 25 (89%) cases, and sequelae were uncommon (14%). Relapse was detected in 2 individuals and 1 patient developed visceral leishmaniasis after treatment. Two HIV-coinfected patients died of causes unrelated to leishmaniasis. The results of the present report stress the clinical importance of searching for the presence of Leishmania in patients with suspected neoplasia of the upper respiratory tract if they have visited or resided in zones endemic for Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. The treatment of choice for these patients is not established yet, but most patients respond to antimonial compounds given for 28 days or less.

Systemic leishmaniasis involving the nose.

A case of a patient, presenting with a granulomatous lesion of the anterior nasal septum mucosa spreading to the columella and the nasal floor, whereby leishmaniasis was diagnosed, is presented. The clinical and pathological aspects of this pathology, its diagnosis and treatment are reviewed.

Diagnóstico laboratorial das formas mucosa e muco-cutânea da leishmaniose tegumentar americana

Neste estudo, avaliamos a eficiência dos métodos mais comumente utilizados na rotina do diagnóstico da leishmaniose mucosa (LM) e muco-cutânea (LMC). O grupo de (LM) foi composto por 19 pacientes, sendo 13(68,4 por cento)homens e 6(31,6 por cento)mulheres. A média de idade foi de 56,9 com mediana de 58 anos (min=29 e máx=95). O tempo médio da lesão foi de 65 meses. O grupo de (LMC) foi composto por 17 pacientes, sendo 12(70,6 por cento) homens e 5(29,4 por cento) mulheres. A idade média do grupo LMC foi de 46,7 com mediana de 49(min=18 e máx=79), com tempo médio de lesão de 148 meses. Foram realizadas hemoculturas antes do diagnóstico, aos 30, 90 e 180 dias após o tratamento, sendo os resultados sempre negativos. As culturas de fragmento de mucosa também foram negativas. A impressão por aposição do fragmento de biópsia foi positivo em um paciente do grupo LM e um grupo LMC. A intradermo reação de Montenegro foi realizada em 36 pacientes, conferindo sensibilidade de 95,2 por cento sendo de 100 por cento para o grupo de LM e 83,3 por cento do grupo LMC. A sensibilidade da PCR de fragmento de biópsia foi de 84,6 por cento e 100 por cento para os grupos de LM e LMC, respectivamente. A especificidade da PRC foi de 93,3 por cento. Antes do tratamento, detectou-se por PRC parasitário ou DNA do parasito circulante em um paciente do grupo LM. Após o tratamento, a PRC foi positiva em dois pacientes do grupo LM(aos 90 dias e, aos 180 dias) e um paciente do grupo LMC(aos 30 dias). A pesquisa de anticorpos foi avaliada através dos testes ELISA (IgA, IgG, total, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 e IgG4) e RIFI(IgG total) utilizando antígenos de L.braziliensis e de L.amazonensis. Não foram detectados anticorpos IgA, IgG2 e IgG4. A sensibilidade da RIFI variou entre 100 por cento(Lb)e 89,5 por cento(La).

A especificidade foi avaliada em pacientes portadores de Doença de Chagas, Malária, Sífilis e indivíduos não-infectados de área endêmica, sendo encontrada especificidade entre 65 por cento e 100 por cento. No ELISA, a sensibilidade variou de 64 por cento a 100 por cento e a especificidade de 40 por cento a 100 por cento. No acompanhamento pós-tratamento, não foi observada queda dos níveis de anticorpos pela técnica de RIFI. Pelo ELISA, observou-se queda dos anticorpos IgG totais anti-L braziliensis a partir de 90 dias pós-tratamento para o grupo LM(sendo a IgG3 a principal responsável pela queda) a aos 180 dias pós-tratamento para o grupo LMC. Para IgG1, a queda dos níveis de anticorpos só foi observada aos 180 dias pós-tratamento para o grupo LM nos dois antígenos estudados. A queda dos níveis de IgG3 só aconteceu utilizando a L.braziliensis, no grupo LM, a partir dos 90 dias pós-tratamento.

Diagnóstico laboratorial das formas mucosa e muco-cutânea da leishmaniose tegumentar americana / Laboratory diagnosis of mucous membrane forms the skin and muco-cutaneous leishmaniasis

Neste estudo, avaliamos a eficiência dos métodos mais comumente utilizados na rotina do diagnóstico da leishmaniose mucosa (LM) e muco-cutânea (LMC). O grupo de (LM) foi composto por 19 pacientes, sendo 13 (68,4 por cento) homens e 6 (31,6 por cento) mulheres. A média de idade foi de 56,9 com mediana de 58 anos (min=29 e máx=95). O tempo médio da lesão foi de 65 meses. O grupo de (LMC) foi composto por 17 pacientes, sendo 12 (70,6 por cento) homens e 5 (29,4 por cento) mulheres. A idade média do grupo LMC foi de 46,7 com mediana de 49 (min=18 e máx=79), com tempo médio de lesão de 148 meses. Foram realizadas hemoculturas antes do diagnóstico, aos 30, 90 e 180 dias após o tratamento, sendo os resultados sempre negativos. As culturas de fragmento de mucosa também foram negativas. A impressão por aposição do fragmento de biópsia foi positivo em um paciente do grupo LM e um grupo LMC. A intradermo reação de Montenegro foi realizada em 36 pacientes, conferindo sensibilidade de 95,2 por cento sendo de 100 por cento para o grupo de LM e 83,3 por cento do grupo LMC. A sensibilidade da PCR de fragmento de biópsia foi de 84,6 por cento e 100 por cento para os grupos de LM e LMC, respectivamente. A especificidade da PRC foi de 93,3 por cento. Antes do tratamento, detectou-se por PRC parasitário ou DNA do parasito circulante em um paciente do grupo LM. Após o tratamento, a PRC foi positiva em dois pacientes do grupo LM (aos 90 dias e, aos 180 dias) e um paciente do grupo LMC (aos 30 dias). A pesquisa de anticorpos foi avaliada através dos testes ELISA (IgA, IgG, total, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 e IgG4) e RIFI (IgG total) utilizando antígenos de L.braziliensis e de L.amazonensis. Não foram detectados anticorpos IgA, IgG2 e IgG4. A sensibilidade da RIFI variou entre 100 por cento (Lb)e 89,5 por cento (La). A especificidade foi avaliada em pacientes portadores de Doença de Chagas, Malária, Sífilis e indivíduos não-infectados de área endêmica, sendo encontrada especificidade entre 65 por cento e 100 por cento. No ELISA, a sensibilidade variou de 64 por cento a 100 por cento e a especificidade de 40 por cento a 100 por cento. No acompanhamento pós-tratamento, não foi observada queda dos níveis de anticorpos pela técnica de RIFI. Pelo ELISA, observou-se queda dos anticorpos IgG totais anti-L braziliensis a partir de 90 dias pós-tratamento para o grupo LM (sendo a IgG3 a principal responsável pela queda) a aos 180 dias pós-tratamento para o grupo LMC. Para IgG1, a queda dos níveis de anticorpos só foi observada aos 180 dias pós-tratamento para o grupo LM nos dois antígenos estudados. A queda dos níveis de IgG3 só aconteceu utilizando a L. braziliensis, no grupo LM, a partir dos 90 dias pós-tratamento.

Sucessful use of a defined antigen/GM-CSF adjuvant vaccine to treat mucosal leishmaniasis refractory to antimony: a case report

Immunotherapy has been proposed as a method to treat mucosal leishmaniosis for many years, but the approach has been hampered by poor definition and variability of antigens used, and results have been inconclusive. We report here a case of antimonial-refractory mucosal leishmaniasis in a 45 year old male who was treated with three single injections (one per month) with a cocktail of lour Leishmania recombinant antigens selected after documented hyporesponsiveness of the patient to these antigens, plus 50µg of GM-CSF as vaccine adjuvant. Three months after treatment, all lesions had resolved completely and the patient remains without relapse after two years. Side effects of the treatment included only moderate erythema and induration at the injection site after the second and third injections. We conclude that carefully selected microbial antigens and cytokine adjuvant can be sucessful as immunotherapy for patients with antimonial-refractory mucosal leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniasis in Sudan. Mucosal leishmaniasis.

Sudanese mucosal leishmaniasis is a chronic infection of the upper respiratory tract and/or oral mucosa caused mainly by Leishmania donovani. The disease occurs in areas of the country endemic for visceral leishmaniasis, particularly among Masalit and other closely related tribes in western Sudan. The condition may develop during or after an attack of visceral leishmaniasis, but in most cases it is a primary mucosal disease. Unlike South American mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, mucosal leishmaniasis in Sudan is not preceded or accompanied by a cutaneous lesion. Pathologically, the lesions show a mixture of macrophages, plasma cells and lymphocytes. An epithelioid granuloma may also be found. Parasites are scanty. Diagnosis is established by demonstration of parasites in smears or biopsies, by culture or animal inoculation, or with the aid of the polymerase chain reaction. Most patients give positive results in the direct agglutination test and leishmanin skin test. Patients respond well to treatment with pentavalent antimony compounds.

Leishmanioses: visceral e mucocutânea / Leishmaniosis: visceral and mucocutaneous

A autora estuda conceito, etiologia, epidemiologia e apresentação clínica das formas visceral e mucocutânea da leishmaniose, detendo-se nos diversos esquemas de tratamento modernamente disponíveis, considerando as drogas de primeira e segunda linhas, a terapêutica tópica e os critérios de cura.

Atypical mucocutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania braziliensis in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient: T-cell responses and remission of lesions associated with antigen immunotherapy.

An atypical case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated mucocutaneous lesions due to Leishmania braziliensis is described. Many vacuolated macrophages laden with amastigote forms of the parasite were found in the lesions. Leishmanin skin test and serology for leishmaniasis were both negative. The patient was resistant to therapy with conventional drugs (antimonial and amphotericin B). Interestingly, remission of lesions was achieved after an alternative combined therapy of antimonial associated with immunotherapy (whole promastigote antigens). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated and stimulated in vitro with Leishmania antigens to test the lymphoproliferative responses (LPR). Before the combined immunochemotherapy, the LPR to leishmanial antigens was negligible (stimulation index - SI=1.4). After the first course of combined therapy it became positive (SI=4.17). The antigen responding cells were predominantly T-cells (47.5%) most of them with CD8+ phenotype (33%). Very low CD4+ cells (2.2%) percentages were detected. The increased T-cell responsiveness to leishmanial antigens after combined therapy was accompanied by interferon-g (IFN-g) production as observed in the cell culture supernatants. In this patient, healing of the leishmaniasis lesions was associated with the induction of a specific T-cell immune response, characterized by the production of IFN-g and the predominance of the CD8+ phenotype among the Leishmania-reactive T-cells.

Atypical Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania braziliensis in an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patient: T-cell Responses and Remission of Lesions Associated with Antigen Immunotherapy

An atypical case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated mucocutaneous lesions due to Leishmania braziliensis is described. Many vacuolated macrophages laden with amastigote forms of the parasite were found in the lesions. Leishmanin skin test and serology for leishmaniasis were both negative. The patient was resistant to therapy with conventional drugs (antimonial and amphotericin B). Interestingly, remission of lesions was achieved after an alternative combined therapy of antimonial associated with immunotherapy (whole promastigote antigens). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated and stimulated in vitro with Leishmania antigens to test the lymphoproliferative responses (LPR). Before the combined immunochemotherapy, the LPR to leishmanial antigens was negligible (stimulation index - SI=1.4). After the first course of combined therapy it became positive (SI=4.17). The antigen responding cells were predominantly T-cells (47.5 percent) most of them with CD8+ phenotype (33 percent). Very low CD4+ cells (2.2 percent) percentages were detected. The increased T-cell responsiveness to leishmanial antigens after combined therapy was accompanied by interferon-g (IFN-g) production as observed in the cell culture supernatants. In this patient, healing of the leishmaniasis lesions was associated with the induction of a specific T-cell immune response, characterized by the production of IFN-g and the predominance of the CD8+ phenotype among the Leishmania-reactive T-cells

Leishmaniasis cutánea y mucocutánea / Cutaneus and mucocutaneus leishmaniasis

La alta incidencia de leishmaniasis en las áreas andinas, tropicales y subtropicales de nuestro país ha sido motivación para poder hacer un enfoque global y profundo, que la información que hasta ahora nos había llegado. Creímos necesario hacer una revisión clara y objetiva de la realidad de la misma, así como también tratar de establecer una clínica mucho más amplia sobre la enfermedad, ya que como sabemos son la mayor parte, entidades o proyectos extranjeros los que se han encargado de recabar información estudios y avances en la lucha contra esta enfermedad. De la misma manera hemos tratado de recoger la mayor cantidad de datos acerca de la inmunología, diagnóstico y tratamiento, que creemos va ayudar a la mayor...

An evaluation of clinical, serologic, anatomopathologic and immunohistochemical findings for fifteen patients with mucosal leishmaniasis before and after treatment

O controle de tratamento da leishmaniose mucosa (LM) pode ser realizado pelo exame clinico e o acompanhamento dos titulos sorológicos da reaçäo de imunofluorescencia indireta (RIFI). Estudamos a correlaçäo entre a presença de antigeno no tecido através da reaçäo de imuno-histoquimica, os titulos da reaçäo de imunofluorescencia indireta e os achados anatomopatologicos, em quinze pacientes com LM, antes e após as lesöes estarem cicatrizadas pela avaliaçäo otorrinolaringologica, e avaliamos qual destes parametros pode ter utilidade no seguimento. Após a terapeutica houve negativaçäo do antigeno tecidual em quatro doentes (grupo A), sendo a reduçäo ou negativaçäo dos titulos da RIFI estatisticamente significante (p<0.05), o que näo ocorreu nos doentes, em que houve permanencia do antigeno posteriormente ao tratamento (grupo B)...