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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Leishmaniasis in a dog

5. Leishmania donovani

6. Leishmania tropica

7. 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

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

10. Cutaneous leishmaniasis

11. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis

12. 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