Transient effect of topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with imiquimod.
BACKGROUND
Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis can be painful and protracted and cosmetic results are often unsatisfying. The immune modulator imiquimod has been reported to be suitable for the treatment of a variety of infectious skin diseases and neoplasias.


OBJECTIVE
We investigated the efficacy of topical application of imiquimod in the treatment of old world leishmaniasis in a placebo-controlled prospective study.


METHODS
Twelve patients were treated with imiquimod cream using a standard protocol, i.e. topical application three times a week, and a further three served as control group.


RESULTS
Lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis regressed within the first 2-4 weeks in 10 of the 12 patients, whereas in two patients no change was observed. However, after 8 weeks all lesions showed progression.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results thus demonstrate that topical application of imiquimod alone is ineffective in treating old world cutaneous leishmaniasis. Further studies are required to demonstrate a possible benefit of imiquimod in combination with other, preferably orally administered medicines.
Seeberger
Josef
J
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Damascus, Syria.
Daoud
Saleh
S
Pammer
Johannes
J
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000077271:Imiquimod