Leishmaniasis: a review [version 1; referees: 2 approved]

• Main Authors: Edoardo Torres-Guerrero, Marco Romano Quintanilla-Cedillo, Julieta Ruiz-Esmenjaud, Roberto Arenas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: F1000 Research Ltd 2017-05-01
• Series: F1000Research
• Subjects: Antimicrobials & Drug Resistance; Cellular Microbiology & Pathogenesis; Epidemiology; Global Health; Immunity to Infections; Innate Immunity; Leukocyte Signaling & Gene Expression; Medical Microbiology; Parasitology; Social & Behavioral Determinants of Health; Tropical & Travel-Associated Diseases
• Online Access: https://f1000research.com/articles/6-750/v1

Leishmaniasis is caused by an intracellular parasite transmitted to humans by the bite of a sand fly. It is endemic in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean region. Worldwide, 1.5 to 2 million new cases occur each year, 350 million are at risk of acquiring the disease, and leishmaniasis causes 70,000 deaths per year. Clinical features depend on the species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Manifestations range from the localized cutaneous to the visceral form with potentially fatal outcomes. Many drugs are used in its treatment, but the only effective treatment is achieved with current pentavalent antimonials.