Leishmaniasis, an emerging imported infection: report of 20 cases from Australia

J Travel Med. 2008 Sep-Oct;15(5):351-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2008.00223.x.

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan infection rarely reported in Australia. However, with the advent of increased international tourism and migration of refugees from endemic regions, leishmaniasis has emerged as an increasingly imported infection. We report 20 cases (17 cutaneous, 2 visceral, and 1 post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis). These data highlight the range of species causing leishmaniasis imported in Australia and demonstrate the importance of species identification in determining proper treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / epidemiology*
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / microbiology*
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / prevention & control
  • Emigration and Immigration
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leishmania / isolation & purification*
  • Leishmaniasis, Diffuse Cutaneous / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Diffuse Cutaneous / epidemiology*
  • Leishmaniasis, Diffuse Cutaneous / prevention & control
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / epidemiology*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Travel*