Mohammed J.E. Ahmed
Al Yarmouk teaching Hospital. Department of dermatology and venereology, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease prevalent in the Mediterranean and Middle East, including Iraq. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of intralesional D-penicillamine (D-PA) as a treatment for acute CL, leveraging its potential to enhance the Th1 immune response. Methods: A unicentric, intrapatient-controlled trial was conducted at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, from January to August 2023. Forty-nine patients with 144 lesions were divided into two groups: Category A received intralesional 5% D-PA injections weekly for six sessions, and Category B (control) received no treatment. Lesion responses were monitored, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (V. 24). Results: Of 95 lesions treated in Category A, 87 (91.15%) showed improvement, with 69 (72.6%) achieving complete response and 18 (18.9%) showing marked response after three to six sessions. Category B showed no healing in 49 lesions, with 5 (10.2%) becoming ulcerated. Conclusion: Intralesional D-penicillamine is a safe, effective, and affordable option for treating acute CL, achieving high cure rates with minimal side effects.
Keywords: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, D- Penicillamine, Intralesional Therapy.
