Leishmaniosis: brief update

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a complex of diseases caused by parasitic protozoan of genus Leishmania. The typical disease presentations are cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Lesions and progression of each disease vary depending of the Leishmania species. These parasites are transmitted by dipetera (phlebotominae sand flies). Until now, there are several sand fly genera identified, being, Phlebotomus (Old World) and Lutzomyia (New World) the most important for Leishmania spp. transmission. Some of the Leishmania species are exclusive of the Old World, meanwhile others, are for the Americas. However, the most cosmopolitan species is L. infantum, one of the most important etiological agent of VL, since can be transmitted by sand flies of the Old and New World. The life cycle of L. infantum involves a biological vector (Lutzomyia longipalpis) and a vertebrate host (in this region, the dog). Similarly as in humans, VL in dogs is a chronic and multisystemic malaise. Severity and range of symptoms varies, finding poly, oligo and asymptomatic dogs. The aim of this review is to discuss different epidemiological aspects and control of L. infantum as well as its main vector, Lu. longipalpis.