What is Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is prevalent in 88 countries spread over 4 continents and is most frequent among the most vulnerable, poorer populations of East Africa, the Indian subcontinent and South America. Leishmaniasis affects the skin, mucosa, or internal organs, resulting in severe disfigurement, disability or death.

Twelve million people are infected with Leishmania worldwide and an estimated 350 million people are at risk for infection. There are about 1.7 million new cases and 45,000 deaths each year from leishmaniasis. Infection in immunocompromised people, especially HIV positive patients, is a growing problem.

Leishmania parasites are transmitted by the bite of sandflies to their vertebrate hosts. In human, four clinical types of leishmaniasis are described; visceral, cutaneous, mucocutaneous and diffuse cutaneous. All these disease forms are carried by animal reservoirs, such as dogs or rodents.

Animals carrying Leishmania parasites are also susceptible to develop clinical symptoms, making this infection a significant problem in the veterinary world as well. The incidence in animals is not limited to developing countries and includes the Mediterranean region and the rest of Europe.