Leishmanioses em Foco: O Estado da Arte
Leishmanioses em Foco: O Estado da Arte
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DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.9752325092
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Palavras-chave: Leishmanioses, Leishmaniose Tegumentar, Leishmaniose Visceral
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Keywords: Leishmaniases, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Visceral Leishmaniasis
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Abstract: Leishmaniases are a group of infectious diseases caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. These diseases are considered significant public health problems in various parts of the world due to their high prevalence and wide geographical distribution. The epidemiology of leishmaniases varies according to the region and the species of Leishmania involved. It is estimated that about 1 billion people are at risk of contracting the disease in more than 98 developing or developed countries. Leishmaniases are present on five continents: Europe, Africa, Asia, America, and Oceania. In Brazil, leishmaniases also represent a significant public health issue. The country is considered endemic for both visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). VL, also known as kala-azar, has a wide geographical distribution in the Brazilian territory, mainly affecting the North, Northeast, Midwest, and part of the Southeast regions. On the other hand, CL is more common in the North, Northeast, and Midwest regions. VL in Brazil is mainly caused by Leishmania infantum, transmitted by the vector Lutzomyia longipalpis. The disease has an enzootic cycle that mainly involves dogs as reservoirs, but it can also affect other mammals, including humans. CL, on the other hand, is caused by different species of Leishmania, with Lutzomyia spp. acting as vectors. Factors such as disorderly urbanization, population migration, deforestation, environmental degradation, and climate change have contributed to the increasing incidence of leishmaniases in Brazil and other countries. Additionally, co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and malnutrition are important risk factors for the development of severe forms of the disease. The control of leishmaniases involves measures such as early diagnosis, appropriate treatment of cases, vector control, individual prevention measures (such as the use of repellents and mosquito nets), and health education actions. Vaccination against VL is a strategy under study but is not widely available yet. In this mini-review, we present some aspects and definitions of leishmaniases.
- Adalberto Alves Pereira Filho