Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is caused by infection with species of the protozoan genus Leishmania. Transmission is associated with phlebotomine sandflies, which are proven or suspected vectors for human leishmaniases.

The disease results from infection by Leishmania protozoa, with clinical expression varying by species and form of disease. The literature grounding provided here supports vector-borne transmission and the existence of distinct cutaneous and visceral disease entities, but does not provide further mechanistic detail.

Risk is increased by environmental and social conditions that favor transmission, including inadequate housing, drinking-water, and sanitation in rapidly growing urban areas. Human migration, deforestation, urbanization, increased sandfly breeding sites and blood sources, and interruption of vector control activities are also described as contributors to spread.

Drug therapy is a standard treatment modality for leishmaniasis. The supplied grounding supports treatment at the drug-class or modality level only and does not specify particular agents or regimens.