Disseminated Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania major in Immunocompetent Sudanese Child

Leishmania major is the predominant cause of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sudan. The disease frequently presents as localized skin lesions that usually heals spontaneously. A 10-year-old girl from Darfur, presented to Khartoum Dermatology Hospital with a 1-year history of widespread skin lesions. The lesions began as small papules on her upper and lower limbs and progressively involved all exposed areas, including her face, over 5 months. Diagnosis was confirmed by parasitology and culture from lesions aspirates. Leishmania major was identified by polymerase chain reaction. The patient was initially treated with intramuscular sodium stibogluconate (10 mg/kg) for 1 month, with no significant improvement. Subsequently, intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (Ambisome) was administered at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg daily in dextrose 5% for 14 days. Marked clinical improvement was observed, with lesions beginning to heal. Treatment was extended for an additional 40 days. The patient showed full recovery, with healed lesions leaving scars.