leishmaniasis

leishmaniasis, human protozoal infection spread by the bite of a sand fly (subfamily Phlebotominae). Leishmaniasis occurs worldwide but is especially prevalent in tropical areas. Three major forms of the disease are recognized: visceral, cutaneous, and mucocutaneous. Leishmaniasis is caused by various species of the flagellate protozoan Leishmania, of the order Kinetoplastida. These parasites infect a variety of vertebrate animals, such as rodents and canines. They are transmitted to humans by the bite of a bloodsucking...