Living with Leishmaniasis
A parasite disease spread by sand fly bites that can cause skin sores or affect organs like the liver and spleen.
Understanding Leishmaniasis
There are several forms. The most common are cutaneous, which causes skin sores, and visceral, which affects internal organs such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. It is found in parts of the Middle East, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, and southern Europe. It is possible but very unlikely to get it in the United States.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Fever that comes and goes
- Weight loss
- Enlarged spleen and liver
- Open skin sores (ulcers)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Anemia (low red blood cells)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by a parasite spread by the bite of infected sand flies. It is not described as an inherited condition.
Also known as: leishmaniosis
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Leishmaniasis.
Explore research for Leishmaniasis
Explore actively recruiting Leishmaniasis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Leishmaniasis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Leishmaniasis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Leishmaniasis
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Leishmaniasis experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.