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Cutaneous Leishmaniasis — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardTropical & Imported InfectionsCutaneous LeishmaniasisSCE Infectious Diseases

Species testing identifies Leishmania mexicana in one small uncomplicated cutaneous lesion. The patient is immunocompetent and has no face, joint or mucosal involvement. Which treatment principle is most appropriate after tropical-infection review?

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Correct answer: C — Use local lesion-directed treatment rather than routine systemic therapy

The best answer is “Use local lesion-directed treatment rather than routine systemic therapy”. L. mexicana has low mucosal risk; lesion number, size and site, immune status and likelihood of adherence determine whether cryotherapy, intralesional treatment or another local approach is suitable. Species, geography, lesion burden, immune status and mucosal risk determine whether cutaneous leishmaniasis needs local or systemic treatment.

Reference: WHO leishmaniasis fact sheet: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/leishmaniasis