26 May 2017 | Edoardo Torres-Guerrero, Marco Romano Quintanilla-Cedillo, Julieta Ruiz-Esmenjaud, Roberto Arenas
Leishmaniasis is a tropical and subtropical disease caused by an intracellular parasite transmitted to humans through the bite of sand flies. It is endemic in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean region, affecting approximately 1.5 to 2 million people annually and causing 70,000 deaths. The clinical manifestations vary depending on the species of *Leishmania* involved and the host's immune response, ranging from localized cutaneous to visceral forms with potentially fatal outcomes. Pentavalent antimonials are the most effective treatment for all clinical forms. The disease is transmitted by *Phlebotomus* and *Lutzomyia* sand flies, with the latter being more prevalent in the New World. The disease is characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, including cutaneous, muco-cutaneous, and visceral (kala-azar) forms. Diagnosis is based on clinical and epidemiological context, laboratory confirmation, and identification of *Leishmania* species. Treatment options include pentavalent antimonials, pentamidine, amphotericin B, and alternative drugs such as ketoconazole and itraconazole. Prophylaxis involves vector eradication, insect repellents, and thick clothing. The disease is a significant global health issue, with high burdens in countries like Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, and Sudan.Leishmaniasis is a tropical and subtropical disease caused by an intracellular parasite transmitted to humans through the bite of sand flies. It is endemic in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean region, affecting approximately 1.5 to 2 million people annually and causing 70,000 deaths. The clinical manifestations vary depending on the species of *Leishmania* involved and the host's immune response, ranging from localized cutaneous to visceral forms with potentially fatal outcomes. Pentavalent antimonials are the most effective treatment for all clinical forms. The disease is transmitted by *Phlebotomus* and *Lutzomyia* sand flies, with the latter being more prevalent in the New World. The disease is characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, including cutaneous, muco-cutaneous, and visceral (kala-azar) forms. Diagnosis is based on clinical and epidemiological context, laboratory confirmation, and identification of *Leishmania* species. Treatment options include pentavalent antimonials, pentamidine, amphotericin B, and alternative drugs such as ketoconazole and itraconazole. Prophylaxis involves vector eradication, insect repellents, and thick clothing. The disease is a significant global health issue, with high burdens in countries like Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, and Sudan.