Neurological manifestations of human leishmaniasis

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a spectral disease, caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the species Leishmania. There are multiple reported instances where neurological manifestations, whether central or peripheral, are described. In this review we describe neurological manifestations seen during infection with Leishmania spp. Taken together, the material discussed here suggests that in patients from Leishmania-endemic areas, when observing neurological symptoms, causation secondary to infection with Leishmania spp. may be considered.

Keywords: Leishmaniasis; amphotericin B; central nervous system; herpes zoster virus; immunosuppression; pentavalent antimonials; peripheral nervous system.