Oral Zinc Sulfate in the treatment of acute cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Background: Different local and systemic modalities are suggested in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), but the pentavalent antimony compounds are still considered as the first line of treatment. Regarding to increase in clinical drug resistance, adverse effects and low compliance of patient, efforts for finding a more effective and safer drug continue. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of oral zinc sulfate in the treatment of acute dry CL. Patients and Methods: 31 patients with clinical diagnosis of acute, dry CL and positive direct smear for Leishman bodies were included in the trial. Patients were treated with 10 mg/kg/day oral zinc sulfate for 45 days and evaluated every 3 weeks during the period of treatment and also 1.5 months after cessation of it. Results: 22 patients completed the course of treatment. At the end of 45 days of treatment, only two cases (9%) were cured and the remaining did not show satisfactory response. Conclusion: Oral zinc sulfate has limited therapeutic value in the treatment of dry CL.