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Characteristics: Flagellated protozoan; small (1-3 µm), obligate intracellular parasite, amastigotes occur living in macrophages in mammals, flagellated promastigote stages occur in insect vector
Incubation Period: visceral - generally 2-4 months; range is 10 days-2 years. Cutaneous - 1 week to many months
Symptoms: Cutaneous - local skin lesions, ulceration
Laboratory-Acquired Infections: Four reported laboratory infections with 1 death
What is a potential exposure? Needlestick or cut with contaminated sharp object, contact with broken skin, and aerosol or droplet exposure on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth
Post-Exposure Treatment: Report to the UM Health Center as soon as possible. If the health care provider has questions, contact your supervisor or the Biosafety Officer to verify work with Leishmania.
If symptoms appear with no known incidence of exposure: Contact the UM Health Center for medical advice.
Prevention: Biosafety level 2 practices, containment equipment, and facilities; all procedures that could generate aerosols should be performed in the BSC. Wear lab coat and gloves; other protective equipment may be indicated (face shield) when handling infective materials. Use BSL-2 practices when handling rodents with cutaneous leishmaniasis. No vaccine is available at this time.
Reporting: Make note of the date and time of the incident and any relevant details. Inform your supervisor and a Biosafety Officer immediately. Fill out a First Report of Injury Form.
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