Definition

Noun: A form of the infectious disease leishmaniasis, caused by protozoan parasites and transmitted by sandfly bites, which is found specifically in Mexico, Central America, and South America. This form is characterized by skin and mucosal lesions, without typically affecting the internal organs.

Usage

New World leishmaniasis is a medical and epidemiological term used to distinguish this geographical and clinical form of the disease from "Old World leishmaniasis" found in Africa, Asia, and Europe. - The patient was diagnosed with new world leishmaniasis after returning from a trek in the Amazon basin. - Research into new world leishmaniasis focuses on the particular parasite species prevalent in the Americas.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast with Old World leishmaniasis. The distinction is based on the different parasite species, geographical distribution, and common clinical manifestations found in the two regions.
• In medical literature, it may be specified further into clinical forms like cutaneous leishmaniasis (affecting the skin) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (affecting the skin and mucous membranes), both of which fall under the umbrella of .

Variants and Related Words

• American leishmaniasis: A direct synonym for .
• Cutaneous leishmaniasis: A common form of causing skin sores.
• Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (Espundia): A more severe form of that can destroy mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and throat.
• Leishmaniasis: The general name for the group of diseases caused by parasites.

Synonyms

• American leishmaniasis
• American cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis

Related Phrases

• Old World leishmaniasis: The counterpart disease found in the Eastern Hemisphere.
• Visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar): A severe form of the disease affecting internal organs, which can occur in both the New and Old World but is caused by different species.

Noun

1. a form of leishmaniasis endemic in Mexico and Central American and South America; sores are limited to the skin and mucosa