A systematic review on control of leishmaniasis. Part I: Unveiling challenges and advanced diagnosis

Document Type : Review Article

Author

Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease ranked next to malaria as a deadly protozoan disease, induced by an intracellular protozoan “Leishmania”, that belongs to the family Trypanosomatidae. It affects the poorest populations in over 90 countries throughout Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America, representing a significant obstacle toward the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 in various countries. The presence of multiple clinical forms, socioeconomic factors, several Leishmania spp., various vector species, and complex life cycle, mark leishmaniasis as a complicated disease. These major obstacles impede the implementation of control measures and hinder the efficiency of preventive approaches. Misdiagnosis, timing of the diagnosis, cost and side effects of anti-leishmanial drugs, and drug resistance are the top challenges facing disease control. Therefore, advances in different diagnostic methods are a vital initial step towards effective control. They involve molecular techniques, proteomic-based approaches, immunological assays, and nano-based tools. The present review aims to highlight challenges facing leishmaniasis control, and advanced diagnostic methods as a crucial step towards such control.

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Parasitologists United Journal
Volume 18, Issue 2
September 2025
Pages 107-118

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