Leishmania spp. and leishmaniasis on the Caribbean islands.

The research article discusses the presence and spread of Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by the Leishmania parasite, on the Caribbean islands. The study provides insights into the various species of the parasite, potential vectors, and animal reservoirs in the region.

Objective of the Research Paper

• The objective of this research is to review the presence and distribution of Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by parasitic protozoans of the Leishmania genus, on various Caribbean islands. The study also aims to update the old data, for some of which are four decades old, to help in controlling and eliminating the disease in the region.

Background on Leishmaniasis

• Leishmaniasis presents itself in mainly three clinical forms – cutaneous, mucocutanous and visceral, depending on the species of the Leishmania parasite.
• It is a geographically widespread disease causing 20,000 annual deaths.

Findings on the Caribbean Islands

• The study reviews cases of Leishmaniases in both humans and animals, as well as their reservoirs and sand fly vectors on the Caribbean islands.
• Autochthonous human infections, which are those that originated where they were found, have been detected in the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Trinidad and Tobago.
• Canine infections were discovered in St. Kitts and Grenada, and equine infections in Puerto Rico.
• Cases of humans being infected overseas then bringing the disease to Cuba have also been documented.
• The species of Leishmania parasites included in the study are Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania martiniquensis, and Leishmania waltoni.

Potential Vectors and Reservoirs

• The potential sand fly vectors identified include Lutzomyia christophei, Lutzomyia atroclavatus, Lutzomyia cayennensis, and Lutzomyia flaviscutellata, along with Phlebotomus guadeloupensis.
• The study also identified possible animal reservoirs of the disease, including rats, rice rats, and mouse opossum.

Implications of the Study

• The review can contribute significantly to the understanding of the distribution and transmission of leishmaniasis in the Caribbean islands.
• The findings will enable the implementation of targeted interventions and strategies for the control and elimination of the disease in the region.