8 February 2024 | Moshe Shmueli and Shalom Ben-Shimol
The article "Review of Leishmaniasis Treatment: Can We See the Forest through the Trees?" by Moshe Shmueli and Shalom Ben-Shimol provides a comprehensive overview of the treatment options for different clinical syndromes of leishmaniasis: cutaneous (CL), mucocutaneous (MCL), and visceral (VL). The authors highlight the complexity of leishmaniasis treatment, emphasizing the need to consider various factors such as efficacy, ease of use, safety, and cost. They discuss the challenges in diagnosing and treating leishmaniasis, particularly due to the lack of evidence-based knowledge and the biological nature of the disease. The article reviews the available treatment options for each syndrome, including oral and intravenous medications, topical treatments, and the use of molecular diagnostic tools. It also addresses the importance of monitoring patient outcomes, especially in CL and MCL, where aesthetic results can be unpredictable. The authors emphasize the need for more effective, safe, and affordable treatments, particularly in resource-limited settings. The review concludes with a practical approach to help physicians make informed decisions in managing leishmaniasis cases.The article "Review of Leishmaniasis Treatment: Can We See the Forest through the Trees?" by Moshe Shmueli and Shalom Ben-Shimol provides a comprehensive overview of the treatment options for different clinical syndromes of leishmaniasis: cutaneous (CL), mucocutaneous (MCL), and visceral (VL). The authors highlight the complexity of leishmaniasis treatment, emphasizing the need to consider various factors such as efficacy, ease of use, safety, and cost. They discuss the challenges in diagnosing and treating leishmaniasis, particularly due to the lack of evidence-based knowledge and the biological nature of the disease. The article reviews the available treatment options for each syndrome, including oral and intravenous medications, topical treatments, and the use of molecular diagnostic tools. It also addresses the importance of monitoring patient outcomes, especially in CL and MCL, where aesthetic results can be unpredictable. The authors emphasize the need for more effective, safe, and affordable treatments, particularly in resource-limited settings. The review concludes with a practical approach to help physicians make informed decisions in managing leishmaniasis cases.