title: Cutaneous leishmaniasis: successful treatment with itraconazole.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hospital Córdoba, Argentina. consigli@arnet.com.ar
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Consigli
authors.forename: Cristian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Danielo
authors.forename: Verónica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gallerano
authors.forename: Mariana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Papa
authors.forename: Andrés
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guidi
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D017964:Itraconazole