Cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in Sweden from 1996–2016: a retrospective study of clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes

• DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3539-1
• Publication Date: 2018-12-07T12:32:08Z
• Authors: Hedvig Glans; Leif Dotevall; Sara Karlsson Söbirk; Anna Färnert; Maria Bradley
• Keywords: Leishmania tropica; Mucocutaneous zone; Tropical Medicine; Medical record; Medical microbiology

Leishmaniasis is a neglected and poorly reported parasitic infection transmitted by sand flies in tropical subtropical regions. Knowledge about leishmaniasis has become important non-endemic countries due to increased migration travel. Few studies of the clinical management cutaneous, mucocutaneous visceral regions have been published date. In this study, we aimed evaluate patient characteristics, manifestations treatments Sweden, over 20-year period. A retrospective observational nationwide study was performed using medical records patients diagnosed with Sweden from 1996 2016. Cases culture polymerase chain reaction verified were identified at Public Health Agency Sweden. total, 165 cases Medical 156 (95%) available for review included study. Cutaneous dominant manifestation (n = 149, 96%), 66 (44%) cutaneous Leishmania tropica. Other 4, 3%), 2, 1%) post-kala-azar dermal 1, 1%). During time period, number increased, especially after 2013. Most 81, 52%) migrants who infected their origin (from 2013 2016, mainly Syria or Afghanistan). groups Swedish tourists (25%) returning workers (13%). The collection diagnostic sample start treatment less than one month 81 (66%) under three months 124 (96%). Among 149 leishmaniasis, 125 received antileishmanial treatment, 88 these (70%) cure achieved, regardless treatment. between endemic countries. Although rare disease appear be early treated according current European guidelines, resulting an overall high rate.