Figure 1.

Representation of disease severity and Th1-Th2 balance across different CL and PKDL forms. An exaggerated Th1, or alternatively Th2, response is equally detrimental for leishmaniasis patients as it results in enhanced disease severity. For instance, an uncontrolled Th2 response in anergic diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (ADCL) can lead to cell anergy and increased disease pathology. On the other hand, an unrestrained Th1 response in mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) can cause sustained inflammation and tissue damage.