Leishmaniasis: a review

F1000Res. 2017 May 26:6:750. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.11120.1. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is caused by an intracellular parasite transmitted to humans by the bite of a sand fly. It is endemic in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean region. Worldwide, 1.5 to 2 million new cases occur each year, 350 million are at risk of acquiring the disease, and leishmaniasis causes 70,000 deaths per year. Clinical features depend on the species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Manifestations range from the localized cutaneous to the visceral form with potentially fatal outcomes. Many drugs are used in its treatment, but the only effective treatment is achieved with current pentavalent antimonials.

Keywords: Leishmania; Leishmaniasis; chicleros ulcer; cutaneous-chondral.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

The author(s) declared that no grants were involved in supporting this work.