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Leptospirosis

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoa, is transmitted by the bite of some species of phlebotomine sand flies. The disease most commonly manifests as either a cutaneous (skin) form or a visceral (internal organ) form.

Leishmaniasis is found in approximately 90 countries around the world, including countries in the tropics, subtropics, and southern Europe. More than 90% of the world's cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis are in Afghanistan, Algeria, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Peru, Saudi Arabia.

Travelers of all ages are at risk for leishmaniasis if they live in or travel to leishmaniasis-endemic areas. Leishmaniasis is more common in rural than urban areas.

Leishmaniasis is spread by the bite of some types of phlebotomine sand flies. Sand flies become infected by biting an infected animal (for example, a rodent or dog) or person. Since sand flies do not make noise when they fly, people may not realize they are present.

Canine leishmaniasis is resistant to therapy. Most clinicians feel that the dog never will eliminate the infection and that retreatment will be necessary. The drugs of choice arepentavalent antimonials.