Question 1

what are the tests for leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Parasites/ DNA: Leishmaniasis can be diagnosed when parasites or their dna are seen in a light microscope. For cutaneous leishmaniasis – tissue from a skin lesion is evaluated. For visceral leishmaniasis – bone marrow is examined. Serological testing can assist with diagnosis for visceral leishmaniasis.

Question 2

do a lot of people get leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Infectious Disease: A tough question to answer in short but i'll try.  In the US leishmaniasis is not often seen.  It is a caused by a protozoa transmitted by the female sandfly.  In certain areas of the world it can be common.  Insect control practices can greatly reduce the chances of a person being bitten (and getting the disease).  There are many forms of the disease and it can be very difficult to treat.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of  leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Variable forms: Some people with leishmaniasis have silent infections.  Cutaneous leishmaniasis may start with skin sores like bumps which eventually can develop into ulcers. Lymph nodes may become very inflammed. People with visceral leishmaniasis may have fever, enlarged abdomen (due to swelling of spleen & liver) & weight loss.

Question 4

how long are the stages ofleishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Leishmaniasis  is  spread  by  the  bite of  an infected sandfly. Most infections  are asymtomatic. When infections do  occur  the may  be anywhere  from 7days to many years after exposure.

Question 5

does leishmaniasis commonly occur in the us?

Accepted Answer

No: It's mostly commonly a tropical disease.

Question 6

how likely will my leishmaniasis have complications?

Accepted Answer

High unless treated: Leishmaniasis, even cutaneous, if left untreated will progress and cause complications. There are cases when cutaneous leishmaniasis stalls in its progression due to strong immune response from the host, but i would not count on luck in this case and seek treatment immediately. Visceral leishmaniasis carries a grim prognosis unless treated.

Question 7

what is the definition or description of: leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Leishmaniasis: Leishmaniasis =  a  potentially fatal infection caused by 
 a parasite in the  Leishmania genus &amp;  transmitted by sandflies.

Question 8

are there any places that you generally will not find leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

A few: There has never been a report of leishmaniasis (a protozoan parasite) in Australia, the Pacific islands, or Antarctica. It has been identified in every other part of the world. Although rare, leishmaniasis has been diagnosed in the US, mostly in people who had traveled internationally.

Question 9

i have leishmaniasis, have i transmit the disease directly to my family members?

Accepted Answer

No: I wish all the questions were this easy.  The organisms must pass through a life-cycle phase in the sandfly.  Leishmaniasis affects about 12 million people worldwide but is fairly easy to treat.  I hope you have been treated early; the medicines are not without side-effects but work well.

Question 10

is leishmaniasis contagious?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes, but it has to be transmitted via sand fleas.

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