Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases
Control of Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is caused by several species of flagellated protozoan parasites found particularly in Africa, Latin America, Asia, the
Mediterranean basin and the Middle East. In its more severe forms, the disease can cause disfigurement and death. Worldwide
prevalence is estimated to be approximately 12 million cases, with annual mortality of about 60,000.
The first line drugs for treatment of leishmaniasis remain expensive, require repeated injections, and are associated with undesirable
side effects. Drug resistance also is becoming common in some areas. Vector and reservoir controls are not applicable in every epidemiological
setting and require infrastructure and vigilance beyond the capability of many endemic countries. Vaccination, therefore,
remains the best hope to control all forms of the disease.
EMD faculty are involved in leishmaniasis research in Central and South Africa and Spain focusing on a range of related Topics:
- Interactions between sand fly vectors and Leishmania parasites
- Sand fly distributions, identifi cation and risk assessment of risk for leishmaniasis
- Development of mammalian vaccines for visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis
- Identifying vaccine candidate antigens and exploring Leishmania protein–targeting mechanisms
- Fogarty Training Program with Colombia to enhance local immunologic, eco–epidemiologic and biostatistics research and
training capacity in leishmaniasis
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