Prevalence of leishmaniasis
Leishmaniases are found in the tropics and subtropics, encompassing 98 countries, most of them developing. An estimated 350 million people are at risk. There are 12 million cases worldwide, for 30 deaths (especially visceral form). Each year, there are 000 to 1,5 million new cases. The HIV / AIDS epidemic is contributing to the increase in the number of annual cases.
Whatever the form, children and immunocompromised people (especially HIV) are particularly vulnerable.
Locations
- Cutaneous form : Leishmaniasis is common around the Mediterranean, as well as in Asia and Africa.
- Visceral form : visceral leishmaniasis is present in China, Central Asia, India, in the Mediterranean basin.
- Mucous form : mucous leishmaniasis is mainly present in Latin America.
Global warming obliges, the frequency of visceral leishmaniasis increases in France, with an upsurge in the first fine days. 14 departments are at risk: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Ardèche, Aude, Aveyron, Bouches-du-Rhône, Corsica, Drôme, Gard, Hérault, Lozère, Pyrénées-Orientales, Var, Vaucluse. |
Complications
- Cutaneous form : the cutaneous form can be complicated by secondary infections. Skin lesions give way to indelible unsightly scars.
- Visceral form : When it affects an immunocompromised person (HIV), leishmaniasis can be accompanied by febrile diarrhea, skin lesions teeming with parasites. Death remains possible. In the absence of immunosuppression, healing without sequelae is the rule as soon as the treatment is implemented early.