leishmanioosia
Leishmanioosia, commonly called leishmaniasis, is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. It is transmitted to humans and other mammals by infected female phlebotomine sandflies. The disease occurs in tropical and subtropical regions and in parts of the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and South America. The main clinical forms are cutaneous leishmaniasis, visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar), and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Cutaneous leishmaniasis causes skin ulcers at the bite site; visceral leishmaniasis presents with fever, weight loss, and splenomegaly; mucocutaneous leishmaniasis affects mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, or throat.
The parasite lifecycle involves a sandfly vector introducing promastigotes into the skin; these are phagocytosed by
Treatment varies by form and region. Liposomal amphotericin B and miltefosine are commonly used, along with
Prevention focuses on vector control, insect protection, and reducing animal reservoirs, notably dogs, in endemic areas.
Most cases respond to treatment, but visceral leishmaniasis can be fatal if untreated, especially in young