Cutaneous leishmaniasis: successful treatment with itraconazole.

Background: Leishmaniasis is a disease produced by several species of protozoa of the Leishmania genus. These protozoa are injected into the human bloodstream by sandflies. The symptomathology, either cutaneous, mucocutaneous or visceral, depends on the infective species and the immune status of the patient. Antimonial drugs are the mainstay treatment for all the clinical forms of the disease. Amphotericin B is the second-choice drug.

Methods: We report two clinical cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with itraconazole. One case was a relapsing form unresponsive to conventional therapy.

Results: Both patients achieved fast resolution of their lesions with no secondary effects.

Conclusions: Itraconazole may be a valid option for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, mainly in those cases unresponsive to conventional drugs.