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Leishmaniasis
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DOI：10.1038/s41572-025-00663-w.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Asia, Africa, the Americas and Southern Europe caused by Leishmania parasites and transmitted through the bite of female sandflies, resulting in Leishmania replication in macrophages. The condition manifests either as visceral leishmaniasis, a potentially fatal systemic disease that causes persistent fever, enlargement of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), and a reduction in almost all blood cells (pancytopenia), or as cutaneous leishmaniasis, characterized by ulcerative or non-ulcerative skin lesions. Disease manifestation and severity are determined by parasite, host and vector characteristics, with a complex immunological interplay. The rK39 rapid diagnostic test is the primary diagnostic method for visceral leishmaniasis, while cutaneous leishmaniasis is commonly diagnosed by microscopy of skin samples. Visceral leishmaniasis and severe forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis are managed by systemic treatment. For localized cutaneous leishmaniasis, treatment involves topical therapies, including cryotherapy, thermotherapy and/or intralesional injections with antimonials. The WHO 2021–2030 roadmap of neglected tropical diseases aims to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis as a public health problem and to achieve enhanced control of cutaneous leishmaniasis. In South Asia, a regional visceral leishmaniasis programme has dramatically reduced the caseload. Eastern Africa has recently launched a similar initiative. Sustainable progress in the control and elimination of leishmaniasis will require better diagnostics, treatment and vector control interventions as well as progress in vaccine development, political commitment, improved surveillance and healthcare services. Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease caused by Leishmania parasites and transmitted through the bite of female sandflies. In this Primer, Pareyn and colleagues review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of leishmaniasis, discuss current diagnosis and management, and identify future areas of research.
Keywords:
Leishmaniasis
visceral leishmaniasis
cutaneous leishmaniasis
diagnostic test
treatment
Journal
N
IF:
60.6
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648
Citations:
3.8W
Organization
Cited Papers
Prognostic prediction models for clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis: protocol for a systematic review.png)
BMJ Open
OAAI
BMJ OpenIF0
OAAIShareSaveShareSaveShareSaveShareSaveLaboratory Diagnosis of Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis: Current and Future MethodsMICROORGANISMS
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MICROORGANISMSIF4.2
OAAIShareSaveType I Interferons Suppress Anti-parasitic Immunity and Can Be Targeted to Improve Treatment of Visceral LeishmaniasisCELL REPORTSOAAI
CELL REPORTSIF6.9
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