American leishmaniasis, a group of infections caused by various species of the parasitic protozoa Leishmania of Central and South America, characterized by cutaneous lesions at the site of the sandfly bite and transmitting infection and causing disfiguring ulcerative lesions of the nose, mouth, and throat or visceral disease. Illness may be prolonged, rendering patients susceptible to serious secondary infections. Also called mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, New World leishmaniasis. Kinds include chiclero ulcer, espundia, forest yaws, uta. See also leishmaniasis.
