Lipsosomal Amphotericin B for Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Treatment options for cutaneous leishmaniasis in the United States are problematic because the available products are either investigational, toxic, and/or of questionable effectiveness A retrospective review of patients receiving liposomal amphotericin B through the Walter Reed Army Medical Center for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis during 2007-2009 was conducted Twenty patients who acquired disease in five countries and with five different strains of Leishmania were treated, of whom 19 received a full course of treatment Sixteen (84%) of 19 experienced a cure with the initial treatment regimen Three patients did not fully heal after an initial treatment course, but were cured with additional dosing Acute infusion related reactions occurred in 25% and mild renal toxicity occurred in 45% of patients Although the optimum dosing regimen is undefined and the cost and toxicity may limit widespread use, liposomal amphotericin B is a viable treatment alternative for cutaneous leishmaniasis