Leishmaniasis: a vector- born disease in Sri Lanka: past, current and future

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite Leishmania species and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected female phlebotomine (Diptera: Psychodidae) sand flies. There are three main forms of Leishmaniasis; Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Muco-Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and Visceral Leishmaniasis. At present, Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is established in Sri Lanka. The parasite in this country is Leishmania donovani MON 37 and the prevalent vector is Phlebotomus argentipes. Environmental factors including temperature, humidity and rainfall influence the abundance and distribution of sand flies. Socio-economic conditions, population mobility, environmental and climate changes are the main risk factors of the spread of Leishmaniasis. Early detection of the disease and treatment, vector management and health education are the main control strategies for the control of the disease. It is a timely need to control the disease transmission before more virulent strains are established in the country. To resolve the epidemiology of Leishmaniasis further studies on the parasitic aspects and entomological studies of vector aspects are most important. Harmonizing with these biological phenomena, continuous surveillance, improving case detection programs at the community level and implementing management protocols and control activities are necessary to eliminate Leishmanisis in Sri Lanka