Leishmaniasis: A Review on Global Epidemiological Trends

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease localized to the tropics and sub-tropics caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. This disease is endemic to the countries of South-East Asia, Middle-east and South America. But there has been an alarming increase in prevalence rate in countries where the occurrence of the disease has not been detected before. Increase in the morbidity and mortality rate of Leishmaniasis is accounted to poor nutrition and other factors that make patients susceptible to the disease. The disease is accelerated in critical conditions like famine, drought and migration. There is no effective drug for leishmaniasis yet. Targeted research in developing countries should be aided by developed countries and NGOs. Negative impact of socio economic forces in developing countries can be alleviated by funding projects to improve sanitation and housing facilities.