Dr Paul T Francis, MD Community Medicine College of Medicine, Zawia Leishmaniasis Dr Paul T Francis, MD Community Medicine College of Medicine, Zawia

Leishmaniasis Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by the protozoa Leishmania and transmitted to man by the bite of female phlebotomine sand fly There are three types of disease: Visceral leishmaniasis Cutaneous leishmaniasis Muco-cutaneous leishmaniasis Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in Libya

Epidemiological factors Agent L donovani – visceral leishmaniasis L tropica – cutaneous leishmaniasis L brazilensis – muco-cutaneous leishmaniasis The three are similar but have different antigens Reservoir of infection – Rodents, dogs and Man

Leishmaniasis in a dog

Leishmania donovani

Leishmania tropica

Host factors Age – occurs more in children Sex – equal in both sexes Environmental factors More common in rural areas because breeding of Sand flies is more in rural areas

Epidemiological factors Mode of transmission – is by the bite of female sand fly Incubation period – 1-3 months

Cutaneous leishmaniasis

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis

Prevention and control Primary prevention Control of vector (Sand flies) – spraying DDT Control of reservoir – rodents Avoid sleeping on the floor to avoid sand fly bites Health education Secondary prevention Early diagnosis and treatment