What Is Leishmaniasis?

Authors

Kimberly Wilson, Mississippi State University

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that can cause painful sores to cover one's body. It is found in parts of the tropics, subtropics, and southern Europe. Leishmaniasis is caused by infection with a complex of protozoan organisms, Leishmania spp, which are spread by the bite of infected phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae). There are several different forms of leishmaniasis in people. The most common are cutaneous and visceral. The cutaneous type causes skin sores. The visceral type affects internal organs like the spleen, liver, and sometimes bone marrow.

Recommended Citation

Wilson, Kimberly (2016) "What Is Leishmaniasis?," Midsouth Entomologist: Vol. 9: No. 1, Article 12.
Available at: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/midsouthent/vol9/iss1/12