Transmission and prevention
Only vector responsible for transmitting leishmaniasis is the female sandfly, belonging to the genera Phlebotomus spp. in the Old World and Lutzomyia spp. in the New World [3]. Out of the many known sandfly species, 93 of them are known to spread leishmaniasis.
Sandflies are usually active during night time, and they have limited ability to move. They are usually 2 mm large and are capable of tearing the skin in order to feed on blood. Mainly observed in the tropical regions, they have spread to the Northern European regions due to the increasing temperatures and climate changes.Transmission can be zoonotic or anthroponotic depending on the reservoir. Domestic dogs are considered to be the major reservoir for zoonotic transmission. In the Americas and Central Asia, interaction between wild animals and humans also causes zoonotic transmission. Humans with VL or post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis serve as the only reservoir in anthroponotic transmission.
Attenuated parasite vaccines that will provide long-term immunity and prevent transmission are in development. Zoonotic transmission occurs with dogs, and treatment methods targeting infected dogs are not preferred due to the fact that it may result with increased resistance for parasite or there is a high chance of infection in the nature even after the treatment [6]. Deltamethrin-treated collars were tested for the control of the disease and a significant reduction in infection levels in dogs was observed [6]. Avoiding outdoor areas in endemic areas, using protective clothing, using insect repellents, covering around the bed with a net, sleeping above the ground level, and avoiding night time activities are some of the useful methods in order to prevent transmission in humans.
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