Document 0023
 DOCN  M9490023
 TI    [Visceral leishmaniasis in Italy. Its epidemiology, clinical picture and
       therapy]
 DT    9411
 AU    Gaeta GB; Gradoni L; Gramiccia M; di Martino L; Pizzuti R; Pempinello R;
       Scotti S; Maisto A; Clinica Malattie Infettive, II Universita, Napoli.
 SO    Recenti Prog Med. 1994 Jun;85(6):340-7. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/94323531
 AB    Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a public health problem in most countries
       bordering the Mediterranean sea. The disease has been found in central
       and southern Italy, Sicily, Sardinia; some pockets are present in
       Liguria. Dogs are the reservoirs and the vectors are some species of
       sandfly (Phlebotomus species). The incubation period is usually between
       2 and 8 months; children and adults may become infected; lethality may
       be high and depends upon a correct diagnosis and treatment. The
       diagnosis should be suspected on the basis of the epidemiological data
       and clinical picture and confirmed by the detection of specific
       antibodies by appropriate techniques. Leishmaniasis can be detected in
       splenic or bone marrow aspirates. Patients with HIV infection and VL may
       lack specific antibodies; parasitological diagnosis is mandatory for
       these patients. Antimonials are the classic therapeutic agents for VL.
       Recently liposomal amphotericin B (Ambisome) has been successfully used,
       with negligible toxicity.
 DE    Animal  Antiprotozoal Agents/THERAPEUTIC USE  Disease Reservoirs  Dogs
       English Abstract  Human  Insect Vectors  Italy/EPIDEMIOLOGY
       Leishmaniasis, Visceral/DIAGNOSIS/DRUG THERAPY/*EPIDEMIOLOGY/
       TRANSMISSION  Phlebotomus  Prevalence  Support, Non-U.S. Gov't  JOURNAL
       ARTICLE  REVIEW  REVIEW, TUTORIAL

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