Four Latin American countries use thermotherapy to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis in vulnerable populations – PAHO/WHO

Washington, DC, December 18, 2023 (PAHO) – With the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Venezuela have begun to implement new therapies to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis, a disease that affects to around 42,000 people. every year in Latin America and that can leave disfiguring scars.

Leishmaniasis is caused by parasites transmitted by the bite of infected female insects. In its most common form, cutaneous, it causes ulcers or nodules on the skin. The disease is endemic in 18 countries in the Americas, and the poorest people in remote and hard-to-reach tropical areas are most at risk.

Currently in the region, the majority of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis receive systemic treatment. This traditional treatment, which has been used for more than 70 years, consists of a series of intravenous injections over 20 days. Despite its effectiveness, the treatment can have side effects, such as alterations in kidney and liver function or arrhythmia.

In September 2022, PAHO updated its guidelines for the treatment of leishmaniasis, which include localized therapy to treat cutaneous cases with the drug meglumine antimoniate, as well as the use of thermotherapy.

Thermotherapy generates high-frequency waves that are applied locally to the lesion at a temperature of 50º Celsius for a period of 30 seconds. The treatment consists of a single session and generates savings for both the health system and the affected people and their families. The sooner care is sought, the greater the chance of opting for this treatment alternative.

«Localized treatment with thermotherapy or intralesional treatment has proven to be effective, safe and less expensive and painful for patients,» said Dr. Ana Nilce Elkhoury, PAHO regional advisor on leishmaniasis. Several countries are updating their protocols to use these treatments as a therapeutic option.

Since updating the guidelines, PAHO has donated thermotherapy equipment to Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Venezuela and has provided training to health personnel on its use. This equipment is also available for purchase in countries in the region through PAHO Regional Revolving Funds.

PAHO also «plans to provide technical cooperation to more countries to expand access to treatment for people who need it most,» added Dr. Elkhoury, as well as «treat at least 90% of patients» diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniasis is one of more than 20 neglected tropical diseases that the World Health Organization (WHO) and PAHO seek to prevent, control, eliminate or eradicate by 2030.