Oro-nasal-pharyngeal leishmaniasis, also known as leishmaniosis, is a parasitic infection caused by the Leishmania donovani parasite. The word is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of “ɔːrɒn-nəˈzal-fərɪnˈdʒiːəl liːʃmənaɪˈoʊsɪs, liːʃmənaɪˈoʊsɪs.” The first part of the word, “oro-nasal-pharyngeal,” refers to the areas of the body where the parasite can enter, while “leishmaniasis” indicates the parasitic nature of the infection. The correct spelling and pronunciation of this word is important in the medical field to properly diagnose and treat patients with this
Oropharyngeal leishmaniasis, also known as leishmaniosis, is a rare infectious disease caused by parasites belonging to the Leishmania genus. It primarily affects the oropharyngeal region, including the mouth and throat.
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease, meaning it is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected sandflies. When an infected sandfly bites a person, the parasites are introduced into the body and can invade the cells of the immune system.
Oropharyngeal leishmaniasis usually starts with the development of small ulcers or lesions in the mouth or throat. These ulcers may be painless or cause discomfort, leading to difficulties in swallowing and speaking. Other symptoms may include sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss, and fever. In some cases, the infection may spread to nearby regions, such as the larynx, causing more severe symptoms.
Diagnosis of oropharyngeal leishmaniasis typically involves clinical examination, laboratory tests such as biopsy, and microscopic examination of tissue samples for the presence of parasites. Treatment options for this condition include antiparasitic medications, such as pentavalent antimonials or amphotericin B, which are administered depending on the severity of the infection.
Prevention of oropharyngeal leishmaniasis includes controlling the population of sandflies through environmental measures such as insecticide spraying and using protective measures like bed nets and insect repellents. Additionally, early treatment of symptomatic individuals can help prevent further transmission of the disease.
A condition marked by intractable ulceration of the pharynx and soft palate, scrapings from the ulcers showing the presence of an organism similar to, if not identical with, Leishmania tropica.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.