photo.jpg

## Distribution and Reservoir Hosts of Leishmania donovani Complex ### Old World | Species Subspecies | Distribution | Reservoir Hosts | Disease | |---|---|---|---| | L. donovani donovani | Indian sub-continent, Southwest Asia | Humans | Epidemic visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) | | L. donovan...

## Distribution and Reservoir Hosts of Leishmania donovani Complex ### Old World | Species Subspecies | Distribution | Reservoir Hosts | Disease | |---|---|---|---| | L. donovani donovani | Indian sub-continent, Southwest Asia | Humans | Epidemic visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) | | L. donovani infantum | North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, North China | Dogs, foxes jackals | Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis | | L. donovani (sensu latu) from East Africa | Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia | Humans Possibly dogs | Infantile type visceral leishmaniasis | | L. donovani (sensu latu) from Sudan | Sudan | Rodents and some wild carnivores | Visceral leishmaniasis+ | ### New World | Species Subspecies | Distribution | Reservoir Hosts | Disease | |---|---|---|---| | L. donovani chagasi | Central and South America | Dogs and foxes | Infantile type visceral leishmaniasis | ## Transmission Leishmania donovani is transmitted **by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies**, except in central and south america, where the vector is a member of the genus *Lutzomyia*. L. donovani can also be transmitted **congenitally, by sexual contact or blood transfusion.**