DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2025.v13i08.001

Pages: 1758-1766

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection caused by intracellular protozoa, primarily spread to humans via the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. The disease exhibits diverse clinical formand epidemiological patterns, making it a significant global public health concern. The disease varies in severity, from localized cutaneous lesions to visceral forms that can be life-threatening, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources in tropical and subtropical climates. Effective clinical management relies heavily on prompt and accurate diagnosis. However, the diversity of Leishmania species and the variable sensitivity of diagnostic methods often complicate detection and treatment. Leishmaniasis appears in three main clinical forms: visceral (VL), cutaneous (CL), and mucocutaneous (ML). Visceral leishmaniasis tends to occur more frequently in rural and peri-urban regions of lower-income countries such as India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Brazil. In contrast, cutaneous leishmaniasis is more widespread worldwide, with about 75% of cases reported in countries like Afghanistan, Algeria, Iran, Peru, Costa Rica, Brazil, Ethiopia, Sudan. ML tends to occur in regions like Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Ethiopia, and Thailand. This review aims to shed light on the fundamental aspects of Leishmania parasites, including their scientific taxonomy, hierarchical classification, life cycle, and associated epidemiological patterns.