A Century of Epidemiological Advances in Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis in Algeria

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases transmitted by sandflies, affecting humans and animals, with three clinical presentations: cutaneous, mucosal, and visceral. The disease is caused by the parasite Leishmania and is a significant global health issue, with approximately two million cases annually and 350 million people at risk. The disease is endemic in 98 countries, including Algeria, which is a hotspot. In Algeria, three species of Leishmania (Leishmania major, Leishmania infantum, and Leishmania tropica) cause cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, with the cutaneous one being highly endemic. In Algeria since the 19th century, research on leishmaniasis has been intensive, and the review was aimed at compiling over a century of research to provide updated knowledge on transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology in this country.