Reinfestation in cutaneous leishmaniasis. A new look at predisposing conditions

OBJECTIVE: A prospective study of cases of reinfestation with cutaneous leishmaniasis is carried out to try to identify if there is any associated condition which might predispose to reinfestation.

METHODS: Over a 2 year period, cases of reinfestation with cutaneous leishmaniasis presenting in the Department of Dermatology, were collected.

RESULTS: Thirteen cases showing a typical scar with a parasitologically proven new infection were included. The mean age of patients was 54.69+/-2.65 years. The time lapse between the two infections was 52.38+/-2.60 years. The scar of the primary infection was mainly on the face while the lesion was mostly on the limbs. Six patients had diabetes mellitus, one patient was pregnant and three received either oral corticosteriods or other immunosuppressive drug treatment.

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that in patients with reinfestation it is important to take a careful medical history and send for a fasting blood glucose, as there is a chance of one in two that the patient may be diabetic.