Leishmaniasis
Causative Agent: Protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus
Transmission: Bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies
A Neglected Disease with Multiple Forms
Leishmaniasis affects some of the world's poorest people and is associated with malnutrition, population displacement, and poor housing
Key Statistics
700K-1M
New cases annually
277,224
Cutaneous cases (2019)
13,814
Visceral cases (2019)
491
Deaths in 7 countries (2018)
About Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus, transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. The disease affects some of the world's poorest people and is associated with malnutrition, population displacement, poor housing, a weak immune system, and lack of financial resources.
An estimated 700,000 to 1 million new cases occur annually. However, only a small fraction of those infected by the parasites will eventually develop the disease. There are three main forms of leishmaniasis, each with distinct symptoms and prevalence patterns.
Forms of Leishmaniasis
Visceral Leishmaniasis
Also known as kala-azar
- Most serious form (95% fatal if untreated)
- Irregular bouts of fever
- Weight loss
- Enlarged spleen and liver
- Anemia
- 50,000-90,000 new cases annually
- Only 25-45% reported to WHO
- Mostly in Brazil, East Africa, and India
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Most common form
- Causes skin lesions, mainly ulcers
- Affects exposed body parts
- Can leave life-long scars
- Causes disability or stigma
- 600,000-1 million new cases annually
- Only ~200,000 reported to WHO
- 95% of cases in Americas, Mediterranean, Middle East, and Central Asia
Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis
Affects mucous membranes
- Partial or total destruction of mucous membranes
- Affects nose, mouth, and throat
- Over 90% of cases in Bolivia, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Peru
Risk Factors
- •Malnutrition
- •Population displacement
- •Poor housing
- •Weak immune system
- •Lack of financial resources
Impact & Burden
Leishmaniasis disproportionately affects the world's poorest populations, often in areas with limited healthcare access. It has significant physical, psychological, and economic impacts:
- •Visceral leishmaniasis: 491 deaths in 7 countries (2018)
- •Cutaneous leishmaniasis: 277,224 reported cases (2019)
- •Causes significant scarring and social stigma
- •Under-reporting remains a major challenge
AM2NTD's Work
AM2NTD is developing mathematical models to better understand leishmaniasis transmission dynamics and optimize control strategies in endemic regions of Africa.
Learn about our projects