Leishmaniasis, a global concern for travel medicine.

Publisher: Informa Healthcare Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 0215333 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1651-1980 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00365548 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Scand J Infect Dis Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: 2007-2014 : London : Informa Healthcare
Original Publication: Stockholm, Society for the Publication of Acta medica Scandinavica.

Endemic Diseases* ; Travel*; Leishmaniasis/*epidemiology; Animals ; Humans

Leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection listed by the World Health Organization among the 6 most important tropical diseases, is endemic in approximately 88 countries worldwide, with a global estimate of 350 million individuals at risk. The present report aims to review the imported cases of leishmaniasis reported in retrospective studies or described as clusters or single interesting cases. It is apparent that some European countries considered as premier tourist attractions export leishmaniasis: Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia and Turkey. Travelling and exploring the New World countries, especially the Amazonian jungle and the archaeological ancient sites, is a continuous challenge, with a risk of acquiring various tropical infections. Imported leishmaniasis has occurred in individuals who have gone to work abroad in improper conditions, without being aware of the risk of severe vector-borne infections. Exported cases are carried by refugees and immigrants from endemic developing countries. Extended military operations are a further source of imported cases. In the new millennium, the import and export of leishmaniasis continue to be of major concern for public health services worldwide as a result of increased mobility.

Date Created: 20100505 Date Completed: 20101014 Latest Revision: 20100716

20221213

10.3109/00365541003789473

20438287