Leishmania Vaccines: A Narrative Review on Last Decade Developments

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne protozoan disease transferred by the sting of a female sandfly. Currently, both cutaneous and visceral forms of leishmaniasis (VL) are observed in Iran. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is reported in 18 provinces in the country in rural (zoonotic) and urban (anthroponotic) forms. VL is endemic in some areas of Iran. Various drugs are used in the treatment of leishmaniasis, but due to created challenges such as high toxicity, side effects, prolongation, and drug resistance, the process of curing will face problems. The prevention of infection is also costly. One of the best ways to control the disease is to find an effective vaccine. The efficient vaccine will cause long-term immunity and simultaneously breaks the disease transmission chain. This study aimed to review different types of existing vaccines, along with those in trials. It was found that multi anti-gene vaccines created the best immunity against the parasite and could be more successful. Developments in genetic engineering and release systems have raised hope to achieve the vaccines soon.