Abstract:
Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-born parasitic disease
characterized by various skin lesions that cause disfiguration if healed spontaneously.
Although CL has been endemic for many years in the southern regions of Turkey, an
increasing incidence in nonendemic regions is being observed due to returning travelers
and, more recently, due to Syrian refugees. Thus far, a limited number of national
guidelines have been proposed, but no common Turkish consensus has emerged.
Objectives The aim of this study was to develop diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for
the management of CL in Turkey.
Methods This guideline is a consensus text prepared by 18 experienced CL specialists
who have been working for many years in areas where the disease is endemic. The Delphi
method was used to determine expert group consensus. Initially, a comprehensive list of
items about CL was identified, and consensus was built from feedback provided by expert
participants from the preceding rounds.
Results Evidence-based and expert-based recommendations through diagnostic and
therapeutic algorithms according to local availability and conditions are outlined.
Conclusion Because CL can mimic many other skin diseases, early diagnosis and early
treatment are very important to prevent complications and spread of the disease. The
fastest and easiest diagnostic method is the leishmanial smear. The most common
treatment is the use of local or systemic pentavalent antimony compounds.
