Definition of Leishmaniasis:

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread by the bite of the sandfly.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are different forms of leishmaniasis.

• Cutaneous leishmaniasis affects the skin and mucous membranes. Skin sores can resemble those due to other diseases including tuberculosis, syphilis, leprosy, skin cancer, and fungal infections. Ulcers may develop on mucous membranes.
• Systemic, or visceral, leishmaniasis affects the entire body. This form can be lead to deadly complications. The parasites damage the immune system by decreasing the numbers of disease-fighting cells.

Cases of leishmaniasis have been reported on all continents except Australia. In the Americas, leishmaniasis can be found in Mexico and south into the South American continent. Leishmaniasis has been reported among some military personnel returning from the Persian Gulf.