Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis is an uncommon form of cutaneous leishmaniasis with disseminated skin lesions.
Species associated: L. amazonensis, L. mexicana, L. aethiopica
Distribution: Central and South America, Caribbean, Africa
Features:
(1) diffuse distribution of skin lesions (multiple body regions involved)
(2) predominantly cutaneous nodules and plaques, with ulceration unusual
(3) negative leishmanin skin test, associated with anergy to leishmanial antigen
(4) macrophages containing amastigotes tend to be plentiful in skin biopsies
Visceral involvement may occur in patients with AIDS.
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases
