Cutaneous leishmaniasis during pregnancy: exuberant lesions and potential fetal complications

Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Aug 15;45(4):478-82. doi: 10.1086/520017. Epub 2007 Jul 5.

Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis affects millions of people worldwide. After observations of atypical lesions in pregnant women at the health centers of Corte de Pedra, Brazil, 9 years of records were reviewed, and 26 pregnant patients were identified. A retrospective case-control study revealed that lesions in pregnant women were much larger than those in nonpregnant patients in an age- and sex-matched group (mean area, 6.08 cm2 vs. 1.46 cm2; P=.008), and many lesions had an exophytic nature. Despite foregoing treatment until after delivery, response to pentavalent antimony therapy was favorable (rate of cure with 1 course of treatment, 85%). High rates of preterm births (10.5%) and stillbirths (10.5%) were reported. Cutaneous leishmaniasis during pregnancy produces distinct lesions and may have adverse fetal effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / drug therapy
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / pathology*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / transmission
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / pathology*
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Retrospective Studies