[Leishmaniasis : an infection of travellers and migrants]

Leishmaniasis is an infection of the tropical to temperate zone, occasionally imported in our regions by travellers and migrants. Leishmania parasites are transmitted by the sting of a sand fly, Phlebotomus or Lutzomyia, and causes two clinical syndromes with either cutaneous, also mucosal, or disseminated involvement. Clinical suspicion needs a confirmation by the detection of the parasite. The treatment is adapted to the patient, the clinical presentation, the region, the species and the availability. Cutaneous leishmaniasis can be observed only or treated by topical or systemic regimens. Visceral leishmaniasis is a progressive illness, in most cases mortal, particularly in the immunocompromised patient. It requires systemic treatment.