- espundia
- A type of American leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania braziliensis that affects the mucous membranes, particularly in the nasal and oral region, resulting in grossly destructive changes; particularly common in Brazil, where a significant proportion of persons infected with L. braziliensis develop this condition; may develop metastatically from sores originally found elsewhere on the body. SYN: Breda disease, bubas braziliana. [Sp., fr. L. spongia, sponge]
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es·pun·dia is-'pün-dē-ə, -'pu̇n- n leishmaniasis of the mouth, pharynx, and nose that is prevalent in Central and So. America* * *
n.a disease of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the parasitic protozoan Leishmania braziliensis (see leishmaniasis). Occurring in South and Central America, espundia takes the form of ulcerating lesions on the arms and legs; the infection may also spread to the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, causing serious destruction of the tissues.* * *
es·pun·dia (es-pnґjah) [Port. “spongeâ€] mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.
Medical dictionary. 2011.