What Are the Types of Leishmaniasis?
Leishmaniasis can occur in three forms:
- Cutaneous
- Mucocutaneous
- Visceral
The leishmania specie may occur in different forms and, each form is responsible for a particular type. Studies show that there are about 20 leishmania species that can transmit the condition. Let’s discuss the three types of Leishmaniasis.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a type of leishmaniasis that causes ulcers on your skin. It is the most common type. Treatment usually depends on the severity and the person with the condition.
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a rare type of leishmaniasis. It occurs when you’re infected by the cutaneous type of the parasite and may occur a few months after your skin ulcer heals.
In mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, the parasites may spread to other parts of your body, including your mouth, throat, and nose. This can cause total or partial destruction of the mucus membranes in these regions. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a subset of cutaneous leishmaniasis, but it is a more severe type. Unlike cutaneous leishmaniasis, it does not heal on its own and it always needs treatment.
Visceral leishmaniasis
Visceral leishmaniasis is also known as kala Azur or systemic leishmaniasis. It usually occurs two to eight months after you have been bitten by an infected sand fly. It may damage internal organs, like the liver and spleen. It may also affect your bone marrow, as well as your immune system. This type of leishmaniasis may get fatal if not it is not treated immediately.