Leshmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is the other disease of focus at the Gull lab at the Dunn School of Pathology.  Here is some background information from www.bvgh.org and http://www.who.int/topics/leishmaniasis/en/.

Leishmaniasis is caused by a bite from an infected sand fly

Sand fly

which can be found in forest areas, caves, and the burrows of small animals in the Middle East, Northern Africa, and South America.  Generally transmitted from animals to humans, the parasite manifests itself in the form of three diseases: cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, and visceral leishmaniasis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis, often called skin or flesh eating disease and sometimes confused with leprosy, causes painful lesions on the skin.  While these can be cured and do not directly cause death, the open wounds are prone to infections, which eventually lead to the victim's demise.  

I'm going to spare you pictures of leishmaniasis victims,
so here is a map of places where leishmaniasis is
prevalent

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis attacks the mucous membrane as well as the nose.  Over time, in severe cases, the parasite can attack and consume the nose and upper lip.  This form causes great problems with infection and damage to the nose an mucous membrane.

Visceral leishmaniasis is the most dangerous.  This form attacks and causes lesions in the victim's internal organs.  The victim may not feel or notice any change while severe internal damage is occurring.  This form in itself can cause death due to the severe internal bleeding and organ deterioration.

However, left unnoticed or untreated, each form of the disease will kill the victim within two years.

While there are plenty of drugs currently on the market to help heal leishmaniasis once contracted, there is no vaccine and most victims do not have access to the modern medicine that could save their lives.