Leishmaniasis: current concepts and literature review

Abstract

The article was prepared based on a documented review of Leishmaniasis, a group of diseases caused by different species of intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania transmitted by infected insects of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia; the leishmaniasis are considered reemerging, neglected or neglected diseases, endemic in almost 100 countries, associated with poverty, malnutrition, migrations, poor housing conditions, sanitation deficiencies, lack of access to medical services, high costs and drug toxicity, weakness of immune system, climate change, etc .; it is estimated that each year there are 1.2 million cases annually (with 20,000 to 30,000 deaths) and 350 million people are at risk of acquiring the infection. The variety of clinical forms of leishmaniasis is described with emphasis on visceral, cutaneous, mucocutaneous and diffuse forms, whose knowledge is important to establish a correct diagnosis that considers epidemiology, the suggestive clinical picture and auxiliary laboratory tests. For its treatment, pentavalent antimonials such as sodium stibogluconate (Pentostan®) and meglumine antimoniate
(Glucantime®) are the first-line drugs, despite their toxicity and resistance; in the second line is amphotericin B, miltefosine, pentamidine, aminosidine, ketaconazole, itraconazole, etc., that are not enough, and lead to the search for new alternatives especially of plant origin. The surveillance, control and prevention of leishmaniasis deserves an integrated approach that includes host, parasite and vector, according to the scenarios of each country and locality, using all available tools and technology. Despite all the progress, the fight to reduce morbidity and mortality due to leishmaniasis continues, is a challenge that we must face it.
Keywords: Leishmania, leishmaniasis, diagnosis, treatment, control, prevention.