Cutaneous leishmaniasis in non-endemic countries: An emerging yet neglected problem

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common leishmaniasis syndrome, yet a neglected disease in industrialized non-endemic countries, where it has become an emergent problem. The lack of clinical experience, evidence-based literature and availability of some treatments complicates its management. We report a CL case in a 30 year-old man returned from Brazil, with a cutaneous ulcerated lesion, where it was possible to isolate Leishmania braziliensis/guyanensis complex (subgenus Viannia). An initial course of treatment with miltefosine was attempted, but considering the lack of response, liposomal amphotericin B was used, with very good results. Our report highlights the obstacles faced in the diagnosis and treatment of New World CL in non-endemic countries and the need for more funding and research.