Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by a protozoan parasite from the Leishmania genus. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female phlebotomine sandfly. The disease affects the skin and various organs in the body. Symptoms include skin ulcers, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and weight loss. Severe cases can cause organ damage, and in some cases, death. Treatment for leishmaniasis depends on the type of infection and can involve antimonials, antifungals, or pentavalent antimonials. Vaccines are being developed but are not currently available. Prevention of leishmaniasis includes avoiding sandfly bites, using insect repellents, and sleeping under a mosquito net.