Aleppo sore, also known as Cutaneous leishmaniasis, is a skin infection caused by the Leishmania parasite. It is named after the city of Aleppo in Syria, where cases of this disease were historically prevalent.
Aleppo sore is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female sandflies, primarily from the species Phlebotomus. These sandflies are commonly found in regions with warm climates, such as the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East, parts of Africa, and parts of South America. When an infected sandfly feeds on human blood, it deposits the Leishmania parasites into the bloodstream. These parasites then invade the skin cells, leading to the development of ulcerative skin lesions.
The symptoms of Aleppo sore typically appear within a few weeks to several months after the initial bite. The most common manifestation is the formation of a painless, slowly enlarging ulcer, which may be accompanied by redness, swelling, and crusting. The lesions often occur on exposed parts of the body, such as the face, arms, and legs. Without proper treatment, the ulcers can persist for months or even years, and may leave disfiguring scars.
Diagnosis of Aleppo sore usually involves a combination of clinical examination, laboratory tests, and microscopic examination of skin samples. Treatment options include topical or systemic medications, depending on the severity and location of the lesions.
Prevention of Aleppo sore involves minimizing exposure to sandflies, such as using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and using bed nets. Vector control measures, such as insecticide spraying and environmental modifications, can also help reduce the sandfly population in endemic areas.
