BACKGROUND:

Leishmaniasis, a chronic parasitic disease transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies, affects millions of patients. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania brasiliensis is endemic in much of South America.

OBJECTIVE:

Our purpose was to develop a system for staging mucocutaneous leishmaniasis on the basis of clinical, histopathologic, epidemiologic, and immunologic criteria.

METHODS:

Seventy-five Bolivian patients with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis were evaluated by history and physical examination; cutaneous, mucosal, and bone marrow biopsy specimens; and immunologic assessment.

RESULTS:

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis may progress through three clinical stages: (1) the primary or cutaneous, (2) the cicatricial, and (3) the secondary or mucocutaneous stages. The primary stage can be further subdivided into three phases: lymphoplasmocytic, tuberculoid, and diffuse cutaneous phases. The secondary stage can also be subdivided into three phases: edematous, granulomatous proliferative, and granulomatous necrotizing stages.

CONCLUSION:

A classification or staging system enhances the ability to evaluate patients with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis and determine more accurately their prognosis and treatment.