leishmaniasis /lēsh′mənī″əsis/ [William B. Leishman] , infection with any species of protozoan of the genus Leishmania. The diseases caused by these organisms may be cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral. The infection is transmitted to humans by several species of nocturnal Phlebotomus sand flies. Other species of the blood-sucking insects infect other animals. Diagnosis is made by microscopic identification of the intracellular nonflagellated protozoan on a Giemsa-stained smear taken from a cutaneous lesion or visceral biopsy. A typical infection may begin with a cutaneous sore and progress to ulceration of the mouth, palate, and nose. Some cases are accompanied by a febrile illness. There are three major types of leishmaniasis: American leishmaniasis, the form found in Central America and South America; kala-azar; and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, occurs mainly in the tropical areas of Asia; cutaneous leishmaniasis is encountered most frequently in the Middle East. Also called kala-azar. Formerly called Assam fever. See also Leishmania. −leishmanial, adj.
