Oriental sore

Oriental Sore also known as Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is a skin infection caused by a parasite, specifically the Leishmania species. The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Asia, Africa, southern Europe, and the Americas.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of Oriental Sore is skin sores which develop weeks to months after the person gets bitten by the infected sandflies. The sores can initially appear as bumps or nodules and may end up as ulcers with a raised edge and central crater. Some people may have multiple sores, which can cause disfiguring scars when they heal.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Oriental Sore is typically made by identifying the parasite in a smear taken from the ulcer. Laboratory tests include microscopy, culture of the parasite, and PCR. Serological tests can also be used but are not as accurate.

Treatment

Treatment of Oriental Sore depends on the species of Leishmania, the location of the sores, and the patient's overall health. Antimonial drugs are the most common treatment, but other drugs such as pentamidine, amphotericin B, and miltefosine can also be used.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for Oriental Sore include vector control, such as using insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying. Personal protection measures, such as wearing long-sleeved clothes and using insect repellent, can also help prevent infection.

See also

• Leishmaniasis
• Parasitic diseases
• Tropical diseases

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