Diagnostic dilemma of primary mucosal leishmaniasis

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania protozoa. It is widely present in more than 88 countries worldwide, resulting in up to 80,000 deaths annually. Leishmaniasis occurs as visceral, cutaneous, or mucocutaneous variants. Mucosal involvement can occur secondarily to the cutaneous or visceral varieties. However, primary mucosal leishmaniasis (PML) occurs without any present or past cutaneous and or visceral disease. It is extremely rare, and its diagnosis may present a serious challenge. It may be difficult to differentiate it from granulomatous conditions like tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, leprosy, fungal infections, Wegener's granuloma, and neoplasms. Here, we present a case of PML in Saudi Arabia.