In the Americas, Leishmania can be found from Mexico south into the South American continent. Leishmaniasis has been reported among some military personnel returning from the Persian Gulf. Public health measures to reduce the sandfly population and animal reservoirs are important. There are no preventive vaccines or drugs for leishmaniasis. Antimony-containing compounds are the principal medications used to treat leishmaniasis.
Cure rates are high with antimony compounds.
Treatment should be accomplished before damage to the immune system occurs. Marked disfigurement may develop with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Parasites are deposited in the skin by the bite of a sand-fly. Leishmania are considered by some physicians to be at the root of the Gulf War syndrome. Parasites are deposited in the skin by the bite of a sand-fly.