Leishmania infantum

Leishmania infantum, also known as Leishmania chagasi, is a parasitic protozoan that causes the disease known as visceral leishmaniasis. This disease is primarily found in the Mediterranean region, including Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female sandflies.

Transmission and Life Cycle

Leishmania infantum has a complex life cycle that involves two hosts: the sandfly vector and the mammalian host, which can be humans or animals such as dogs. The sandfly becomes infected with the parasite when it feeds on an infected mammal. Inside the sandfly, the parasite undergoes several developmental stages, eventually transforming into its infective form. When the infected sandfly bites a mammal, it injects the parasite into the skin, where it can then invade the host's immune cells.

Clinical Manifestations

Visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum primarily affects the internal organs, such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. The disease can present with a wide range of symptoms, including prolonged fever, weight loss, fatigue, and enlargement of the spleen and liver. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing Leishmania infantum infection can be challenging, as the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. Laboratory tests, such as the detection of the parasite in tissue samples or serological tests, are commonly used for diagnosis. Treatment usually involves the use of antiparasitic drugs, such as pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, or miltefosine. However, drug resistance has been reported in some regions, making treatment more difficult.

Prevention and Control

Preventing Leishmania infantum infection primarily involves controlling the sandfly population and reducing exposure to sandfly bites. This can be achieved through measures such as using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets. In some regions, control programs also target infected dogs, as they can serve as reservoirs for the parasite.

See Also

• Visceral leishmaniasis
• Sandfly
• Protozoan infections

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  Map of cutaneous leishmaniasis in North Africa