Cutaneous leishmaniasis: successful treatment with itraconazole.
BACKGROUND
Leishmaniasis is a disease produced by several species of protozoa of the Leishmania genus. These protozoa are injected into the human bloodstream by sandflies. The symptomathology, either cutaneous, mucocutaneous or visceral, depends on the infective species and the immune status of the patient. Antimonial drugs are the mainstay treatment for all the clinical forms of the disease. Amphotericin B is the second-choice drug.


METHODS
We report two clinical cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with itraconazole. One case was a relapsing form unresponsive to conventional therapy.


RESULTS
Both patients achieved fast resolution of their lesions with no secondary effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Itraconazole may be a valid option for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, mainly in those cases unresponsive to conventional drugs.
Consigli
Javier
J
Department of Dermatology, Hospital Córdoba, Argentina. consigli@arnet.com.ar
Danielo
Cristian
C
Gallerano
Verónica
V
Papa
Mariana
M
Guidi
Andrés
A
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole