Abstract:
Leishmaniasis is caused by unicellular eukaryotic obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania that is
endemic in over 98 countries in the world-most of which are developing countries including Ethiopia. It is transmitted
by phlebotomine sandflies. The eye may be affected in cutaneous, mucocutaneous and Post Kala-Azar Dermal
Leishmaniasis. We report a case of ocular leishmaniasis with eyelid and conjunctival involvement that had simulated
ulcerative blepharoconjunctivitis not responding to conventional antibiotics. The patient was diagnosed by
microscopy of a sample obtained via direct smear from the lesions. He was treated with systemic sodium
stibogluconate (20 mg/kg/day) for 45 days and was clinically cured with this treatment.
