OPTImizing MIltefosine Treatment for Cutaneous LEISHmaniasis Patients
While there are indications that 28 days of miltefosine is not sufficient for treating CL by L. aethiopica, a better understanding of what happens in terms of parasite clearance and drug dosing is lacking. In this study, longitudinal measurements of parasite and drug concentrations during treatment are done to monitor parasite kinetics as well as pharmacokinetics. This data will be crucial to provide more information on duration and dosing of miltefosine in CL patients globally, and in Ethiopia and pediatric patients in particular.
• Clinical or parasitological (microscopy or PCR) confirmation of leishmaniasis
• Age \>2
• Clinical decision to start miltefosine treatment as systemic treatment
• In case of females of child-bearing age: willing to take contraceptive for 6 months (parenteral or IUD or implant)
• Willing and able to provide informed consent
• Willing to be hospitalized for the duration of treatment