Leishmaniasis in otorhinolaryngology: an emerging disease and its relationship with anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha drugs

Purpose: To investigate the clinical manifestations, management and outcomes of Leishmania lesions in the ear-nose-throat (ENT) region, and its relationship with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α blocking drugs.

Methods: Single-center retrospective observational study. Patients diagnosed with cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis in the otorhinolaryngologic area at a tertiary referral center over a period of 8 years.

Results: Three cases of Leishmania lesions in the ear and two in the nose were encountered at our institution. All patients were under treatment with TNF-α blocking drugs. Diagnosis was challenging, and it was important to have a clinical suspicion in order to use accurate detection techniques. All patients received systemic treatment and achieved a complete resolution of the lesions.

Conclusions: With the increasing use of biologic treatments like TNF-α blockers, this type of infection will be increasingly frequent in endemic areas and also worldwide. It is important to include leishmaniasis in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory/infectious lesions in the ENT region.