Spatial mapping of Ethiopian cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions reveals distinct tissue level immune programs - Takeaways - 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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  • 1

    Human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a significant neglected tropical disease with approximately one million new cases annually.

  • 2

    This study utilized spatial transcriptomics to analyze tissue responses in five Ethiopian CL patients with varying Leishmania species.

  • 3

    Distinct immunopathological responses identified included epithelial hyperplasia, cytotoxicity, granulomatous inflammation, and fibrotic remodeling.

  • 4

    Each patient exhibited unique tissue responses, highlighting the complexity of the immune response in Ethiopian CL.

  • 5

    The findings provide a molecular context for future research on the immunological and parasitological basis of CL disease diversity.

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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