Leishmaniasis: where are we and where are we heading?

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical zoonotic disease transmitted by sandflies.
• Affecting millions worldwide, it presents diverse clinical manifestations, from disfigurement to fatality if untreated.
• Often termed "poor man's disease," it disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of leishmaniasis, encompassing its past, present, and future.
• To examine the life cycle, epidemiology, and current therapeutic options for leishmaniasis.
• To critically evaluate the disease's current status, including emerging threats and the need for new strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of leishmaniasis.
• Analysis of parasite life cycle and epidemiology.
• Examination of current and emerging therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Leishmaniasis presents a significant global health burden with varied clinical outcomes.
• Current treatments are limited, and emerging threats like HIV coinfection and post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) complicate disease management.
• There is a critical need for novel therapeutics and updated control policies.

Conclusions:

• Effective leishmaniasis eradication requires novel therapeutic agents.
• Reassessment of public health policies and strategies is crucial to address emerging threats.
• Accelerated research and development are essential for controlling and potentially eradicating leishmaniasis in the coming decades.