4 Questions
What causes leishmaniasis?
Bite of infected sand flies
Which internal organs are commonly affected by visceral leishmaniasis?
Spleen, liver, and bone marrow
What are the common symptoms of cutaneous leishmaniasis?
Painless skin sores with raised edges and central craters
How is leishmaniasis transmitted to humans?
Through the bite of infected sand flies
Study Notes
Causes and Transmission of Leishmaniasis
- Leishmaniasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female phlebotomine sandfly.
- The parasite is known to exist in two main forms: visceral (affecting internal organs) and cutaneous (affecting the skin).
Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar)
- The most commonly affected internal organs are the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.
- Visceral leishmaniasis, if left untreated, can be fatal.
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
- Common symptoms include skin lesions or sores at the site of the sandfly bite, which can become chronic and lead to disfiguration.
- Skin lesions can appear weeks or even months after the initial bite.
Transmission to Humans
- Humans are accidental hosts, and the parasite's natural reservoirs are animals (e.g., dogs, rodents, and other wild animals).
- Sandflies become infected when they feed on the blood of infected animals, and then transmit the parasite to humans through their bites.
Test your knowledge about leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease found in tropical and subtropical regions, as well as southern Europe. Learn about the infection, spread, and different forms of leishmaniasis in people.
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