Transient effect of topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with imiquimod.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis can be painful and protracted and cosmetic results are often unsatisfying. The immune modulator imiquimod has been reported to be suitable for the treatment of a variety of infectious skin diseases and neoplasias.

OBJECTIVE:

We investigated the efficacy of topical application of imiquimod in the treatment of old world leishmaniasis in a placebo-controlled prospective study.

METHODS:

Twelve patients were treated with imiquimod cream using a standard protocol, i.e. topical application three times a week, and a further three served as control group.

RESULTS:

Lesions of cutaneous leishmaniasis regressed within the first 2-4 weeks in 10 of the 12 patients, whereas in two patients no change was observed. However, after 8 weeks all lesions showed progression.

CONCLUSION:

Our results thus demonstrate that topical application of imiquimod alone is ineffective in treating old world cutaneous leishmaniasis. Further studies are required to demonstrate a possible benefit of imiquimod in combination with other, preferably orally administered medicines.

• Authors: Josef Seeberger, Saleh Daoud, Johannes Pammer
• Journal: International journal of dermatology (Int J Dermatol) Vol. 42 Issue 7 Pg. 576-9 (Jul 2003) ISSN: 0011-9059 [Print] England
• PMID: 12839616 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Adjuvants, Immunologic
• Aminoquinolines
• Imiquimod

Topics

• Adjuvants, Immunologic (administration & dosage)
• Administration, Topical
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aminoquinolines (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Imiquimod
• Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous (drug therapy)
• Male
• Prospective Studies
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome