Spatial mapping of Ethiopian cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions reveals distinct tissue level immune programs - Report - MDSpire

Geospatial Analysis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Lesions in Ethiopia Uncovers Unique Immune Response Patterns at the Tissue Level

  • By

  • Nidhi S. Dey

  • Thao-Thy Pham

  • Shoumit Dey

  • Mekibib Kassa

  • Tigist Mekonnen

  • Helina Fikre

  • Pieter Monsieurs

  • Spatial CL Consortium

  • Myrthe Pareyn

  • Johan van Griensven

  • Malgorzata Domagalska

  • Jean-Claude Dujardin

  • Mezgebu Silamsaw Asres

  • Mikias Woldetensay

  • Paul M. Kaye

  • Wim Adriaensen

  • July 21, 2026

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Clinical Report: Geospatial Analysis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Lesions in Ethiopia

Overview

This study explores the immune response patterns in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions in Ethiopia using spatial transcriptomics.

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a significant neglected tropical disease affecting millions, particularly in endemic regions like Ethiopia. The disease presents with various clinical manifestations, leading to substantial morbidity and social stigma. Understanding the immune response at the tissue level is crucial.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data is presented in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Identified five distinct immunopathological tissue responses in Ethiopian CL lesions.
  • Responses included epithelial hyperplasia, cytotoxicity, granulomatous inflammation, and fibrotic remodeling.
  • Each patient exhibited unique tissue response patterns.
  • Immunopathological features were not mutually exclusive among patients.

Clinical Implications

The immune response in Ethiopian CL is complex and varied.

Conclusion

This exploratory study provides insights into the immune landscape of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ethiopia.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2023 -- Immunological Indicators of Treatment Response in Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: The Role of Circulating Soluble Factors and T-Cell Subpopulations
  2. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Temporal transcriptional dynamics in cutaneous leishmaniasis reveal novel targets for therapeutic interventions in a dermal mouse model
  3. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Editorial: Interactions among immune cells in leishmaniasis: exploring markers, enzymes and cytokines
  4. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis | New England Journal of Medicine
  5. Guideline for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis in the Americas. Second Edition - PAHO/WHO
  6. Frontiers in Immunology — Rapid phagosome formation drives parasite control in subclinical Leishmania braziliensis infection
  7. Skin health for all: update on skin neglected tropical diseases with a focus on Buruli ulcer and yaws
  8. From dogma to data: charting a path forward for clinico-immunological research in Ethiopian cutaneous leishmaniasis
  9. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis | New England Journal of Medicine
  10. Guideline for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis in the Americas. Second Edition - PAHO/WHO | Pan American Health Organization
  11. Evaluation of Microwave Thermotherapy Versus Intralesional Antimonial in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed
  12. Effectiveness of carbon dioxide cryotherapy for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: Systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
  13. Microsoft Word - Update List of Authorized Clinical Trials In Ethiopia_Oct 2_2024(1)

Original Source(s)

Spatial mapping of Ethiopian cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions reveals distinct tissue level immune programs

  • by Nidhi S. Dey, Thao-Thy Pham, Shoumit Dey, Mekibib Kassa, Tigist Mekonnen, Helina Fikre, Pieter Monsieurs, Spatial CL Consortium, Myrthe Pareyn, Johan van Griensven, Malgorzata Domagalska, Jean-Claude Dujardin, Mezgebu Silamsaw Asres, Mikias Woldetensay, Paul M. Kaye, Wim Adriaensen

  • July 21, 2026

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