26 May 2017 | Edoardo Torres-Guerrero, Marco Romano Quintanilla-Cedillo, Julieta Ruiz-Esmenjaud, Roberto Arenas
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania species transmitted by sand flies. It is endemic in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean region, with 1.5 to 2 million new cases annually and 70,000 deaths per year. The disease presents in various forms, including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral (kala-azar), with clinical manifestations depending on the species and host immune response. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common form, while visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is more severe and often fatal. Treatment options include pentavalent antimonials, but resistance is emerging, particularly in India. The disease is a significant global health issue, with high burden in countries like Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, and India. Transmission is influenced by environmental factors, human behavior, and socioeconomic conditions. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and molecular techniques. Prevention strategies include vector control, personal protection, and vaccination research. Treatment options vary by disease form, with antimonials being the primary treatment for CL and VL, though resistance is a growing concern. Amphotericin B is an effective alternative for resistant cases. The disease is a major public health challenge, requiring continued research and global efforts to control its spread.Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania species transmitted by sand flies. It is endemic in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean region, with 1.5 to 2 million new cases annually and 70,000 deaths per year. The disease presents in various forms, including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral (kala-azar), with clinical manifestations depending on the species and host immune response. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common form, while visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is more severe and often fatal. Treatment options include pentavalent antimonials, but resistance is emerging, particularly in India. The disease is a significant global health issue, with high burden in countries like Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, and India. Transmission is influenced by environmental factors, human behavior, and socioeconomic conditions. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and molecular techniques. Prevention strategies include vector control, personal protection, and vaccination research. Treatment options vary by disease form, with antimonials being the primary treatment for CL and VL, though resistance is a growing concern. Amphotericin B is an effective alternative for resistant cases. The disease is a major public health challenge, requiring continued research and global efforts to control its spread.