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Leishmania tropica is a species of flagellate protist that causes cutaneous leishmaniasis, a skin disease prevalent in the Americas, Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female sand flies.123

The disease is characterized by skin lesions that can develop into ulcers with raised borders, often leaving lifelong scars. L. tropica specifically causes lesions on the skin of the hands, feet, legs, and face. Treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis varies depending on the Leishmania species and geographic region, with options including antimony compounds, miltefosine, and amphotericin B.213

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