Leishmaniasis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Leishmaniasis refers to several different illnesses caused by infection with an organism called a protozoan. Leishmaniasis is occurring chiefly in Asia. An infection may be transmitted to humans and animals by bloodsucking sand flies. Leishmaniasis may be spread by the bite of the sandfly. Leishmaniasis is also called kala-azar. Leishmaniasis is associated with low mortality. It has a high morbidity rate. It is estimated that 350 million people are exposed to the disease and approximately 12 million are afflicted worldwide. The global annual incidence is estimated at 1.5 to 2 million new cases per year. however, it's now generally accepted that leishmaniasis is grossly underreported. It's considered to be an emerging disease in developed countries, where Leishmaniasis/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection is becoming more prevalent due to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic and expanded international travel.

Causes of Leishmaniasis

There are various factors which give rise to the diseaseLeishmaniasis , but here we mentioned some of the common causes:

• Cutaneous leishmaniasis.
• Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.
• Visceral leishmaniasis.
• Risk factors.

Symptoms of Leishmaniasis

Some of the common sign and symptoms of the disease Leishmaniasis are as follows:

• Night sweats.
• Fatigue.
• Weakness.
• Appetite loss.
• Weight loss.
• Abdominal discomfort.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea
• Scaly skin.

Treatment of Leishmaniasis

Find effective treatment methods of treating Leishmaniasis :

• Travelers should be advised to consult with an infectious disease or tropical medicine specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
• The drug is called miltefosine and would appear to be less toxic and highly effective.