title: Mucosal leishmaniasis: an underestimated presentation of a neglected disease.
abstract: We present a review of current knowledge about mucosal leishmaniasis (ML). Although involvement of mucous membranes is classically admitted in New World leishmaniasis, particularly occurring in infection by Leishmania (L.) braziliensis species complex, ML is also a possible presentation of Old World leishmaniasis, in either L. donovani or L. major species complex infections. Thus, ML has to be considered not only as a Latin American disease but as an Old and New World disease. We describe ML epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinics, diagnosis, and therapy. Considering both its highly disfiguring lesions and its possible lethal outcome, ML should not be underestimated by physicians. Moreover, leishmaniasis is expected to increase its burden in many countries as sandfly vector distribution is widespreading towards non-endemic areas. Finally, the lack of clear understanding of ML pathogenesis and the absence of effective human vaccines strongly claim for more research.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Garibaldi Nesima Hospital, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Strazzulla
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cocuzza
authors.forename: Marilia Rita
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Pinzone
authors.forename: Maria Concetta
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Postorino
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cosentino
authors.forename: Agostino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Serra
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cacopardo
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nunnari
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007896:Leishmaniasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D058069:Neglected Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy