Leishmania in Texas: A Contemporary One Health Scoping Review of Vectors, Reservoirs, and Human Health

Abstract

Leishmaniasis, a vector-borne neglected tropical disease, affects over 6.2 million people globally. Case acquisition is increasingly recognized in the United States, and in Texas, most reported cases are locally acquired and speciated to Leishmania mexicana. We conducted a scoping literature review to systematically assess contemporary research on Leishmania in humans, animals, reservoir hosts, or vectors in Texas after 2000. Out of 22 eligible studies, the most prevalent themes were case reports, followed by studies on domestic animals, reservoirs, and vectors, with several studies bridging multiple disciplines. Climate change, urbanization, and habitat encroachment appear to be driving the northward expansion of L. mexicana, which is primarily attributed to shifts in the habitats of key vectors (Lutzomyia anthophora) and reservoirs (Neotoma spp.). Leishmania appears to be expanding into new areas, with potential for further spread. As ecological conditions evolve, strengthening surveillance and clinician awareness is crucial to understanding disease risk and improving early detection and treatment in affected communities.