The Additive Effect of Topical Ciprofloxacin 2% on Intralesional Glucantime Injection in Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Abstract

Background: Leishmaniasis is endemic in Iran, and Mashhad is one of the most involved cities. Glucantime, prescribed as intralesional or systemic injection, is the most common treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis. We investigated the additive effect of topical ciprofloxacin on the intralesional injection of glucantime in treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was performed on patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosed by direct smear or biopsy, who referred to Imam Reza and Ghaem teaching hospitals of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either topical liposomal ciprofloxacin 2% twice daily plus weekly intralesional glucantime or intralesional glucantime alone, for eight weeks. The size of induration and the rate of healing was assessed every week. Findings: There were no significant differences between the groups in cure rate (decrease in induration size equal or more than 75%) (P = 0.410) and the time of healing (P = 0.050) 45 days after the end of treatment. Conclusion: Using topical ciprofloxacin does not have any additive effect on the conventional treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Keywords

• leishmaniasis
• cutaneous
• leishmania tropica
• meglumine antimoniate
• ciprofloxacin