Question 1

What is leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. It is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania that affect the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs. The Leishmania Antibody (IgG) test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects specific antibodies produced in response to the parasite infection.

Question 2

What causes leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. These tiny sandflies pick up the parasites when they feed on infected animals or humans, then transmit them to new hosts during subsequent blood meals. The disease is most common in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in parts of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean, where the sandfly vectors thrive in warm, humid environments.

Question 3

What is the best test for leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

The Leishmania Antibody (IgG) test is the most important blood test for leishmaniasis because it detects specific antibodies your immune system produces in response to Leishmania parasites. This test identifies both active infections and past exposure to the parasites, making it essential for diagnosis. High levels of IgG antibodies confirm that your body has encountered Leishmania parasites, though your healthcare provider may need additional clinical evaluation to distinguish between current and previous infections and to determine which form of leishmaniasis you have (cutaneous, mucosal, or visceral).

Question 4

When should I get tested for leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have traveled to areas where leishmaniasis is common and develop symptoms like skin sores that do not heal, unexplained fever, weight loss, or enlarged spleen or liver. Testing is especially important if you spent time outdoors in tropical or subtropical regions where sandflies are present, particularly if you were bitten by insects. You should also consider testing if you develop persistent skin lesions weeks or months after returning from endemic areas, as the disease can have a long incubation period.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Leishmaniasis symptoms vary depending on the form of the disease. Cutaneous leishmaniasis causes skin sores that typically appear weeks to months after the sandfly bite, often starting as papules that develop into ulcers with raised borders. Visceral leishmaniasis, the most serious form, causes irregular fever, weight loss, enlarged spleen and liver, and anemia. Mucosal leishmaniasis affects the nose, mouth, and throat tissues, causing sores and tissue destruction. Some people may have no symptoms initially, while others develop severe complications if left untreated.

Question 6

Who is at risk for leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for leishmaniasis include travelers and workers in endemic regions of Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Mediterranean where sandflies are present. Military personnel, outdoor workers, and adventure travelers who spend time in rural or forested areas face increased exposure to infected sandflies. People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications, are at higher risk for severe forms of the disease. Living in or near areas with poor housing conditions that allow sandflies to enter homes also increases risk.

Question 7

What happens if leishmaniasis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated leishmaniasis can lead to serious complications depending on the type. Cutaneous leishmaniasis may cause permanent scarring and disfigurement, while some cases can progress to mucosal leishmaniasis that destroys tissues of the nose, mouth, and throat. Visceral leishmaniasis is fatal in over 95% of cases if left untreated, causing severe damage to the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Even after the initial infection resolves, the parasite can remain dormant in your body and reactivate years later if your immune system becomes weakened, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.

Question 8

Can leishmaniasis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, leishmaniasis can be diagnosed with a blood test that detects antibodies to Leishmania parasites. The Leishmania Antibody (IgG) test measures specific antibodies your immune system produces in response to the infection, providing valuable diagnostic information. Blood tests are particularly useful for visceral leishmaniasis and can help confirm diagnosis when combined with your symptoms and travel history. However, some forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis may require additional testing methods such as tissue biopsy or skin lesion sampling for definitive diagnosis, especially in cases where antibody levels are low.

Question 9

How is leishmaniasis treated?

Accepted Answer

Leishmaniasis is treated with antiparasitic medications, with the specific treatment depending on the form and severity of the disease. Visceral and mucosal leishmaniasis typically require systemic medications such as liposomal amphotericin B, pentavalent antimonials, or miltefosine taken orally. Cutaneous leishmaniasis may be treated with topical medications, local injections, or oral medications depending on the size, location, and number of lesions. Treatment duration varies from weeks to months, and your healthcare provider will monitor your response to therapy and adjust treatment as needed to ensure the parasites are eliminated.

Question 10

How can I prevent leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent leishmaniasis by protecting yourself from sandfly bites when traveling to or living in endemic areas. Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin, wear long sleeves and pants especially during evening and nighttime hours when sandflies are most active, and sleep under fine-mesh bed nets treated with insecticide. Avoid outdoor activities during peak sandfly feeding times from dusk to dawn, and stay in well-screened or air-conditioned accommodations when possible. Treating dogs against sandfly bites in endemic areas also helps reduce transmission since dogs serve as reservoir hosts for some Leishmania species.

Question 11

What can I do at home for leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

While leishmaniasis requires medical treatment, you can support your recovery at home by keeping skin lesions clean and covered to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Maintain good nutrition with a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support your immune system during treatment. Get adequate rest and avoid strenuous activities if you have visceral leishmaniasis, as your body needs energy to fight the infection. Apply cool compresses to skin sores to reduce discomfort, but avoid scratching or picking at lesions. Always follow your healthcare provider's treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the infection is fully resolved.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Leishmaniasis Blood Test

What is Leishmaniasis?

What causes leishmaniasis?

What is the best test for leishmaniasis?

When should I get tested for leishmaniasis?

References

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