Systematic Review: Re‐emergence of human leishmaniasis in the Balkans

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To provide an updated overview of the leishmaniasis epidemiology in the Balkans, as this region presents “blank space” on the map of leishmaniasis knowledge in Europe. METHODS Following the PRISMA guideline, literature on the presence and circulation of human leishmaniasis in Balkan countries was screened in PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Matica Srpska Library and the National Library of Serbia. RESULTS Sixty nine publications from 1919 until September 2020 were reviewed. Historical records indicate that leishmaniasis was previously present mainly in the southern parts of the Balkans, while newer data demonstrate its northward spread. CONCLUSIONS Human leishmaniasis is re‐emerging in the Balkans and in some areas is already widespread.

High‐throughput microfluidic real‐time PCR for the simultaneous detection of selected vector‐borne pathogens in dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

“…Prior investigations into canine VBPs in BiH have identified numerous zoonotic pathogens, in particular, a high prevalence of Leishmania spp. in dogs, alongside sporadic case reports of human infections (Alić et al., 2019; Colella et al., 2019; Obwaller et al., 2018; Vaselek, 2021). Human leishmaniases are among the most important VBPs globally, implicated in approximately 0.2–0.4 million human cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and 0.7–1.2 million cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) annually (Alvar et al., 2012).…”

“…Prior investigations into canine VBPs in BiH have identified numerous zoonotic pathogens, in particular, a high prevalence of Leishmania spp. in dogs, alongside sporadic case reports of human infections (Alić et al, 2019;Colella et al, 2019;Obwaller et al, 2018;Vaselek, 2021).…”

Visceral leishmaniasis in Kosovo: A case of misdiagnosis and diagnostic challenges

“…Despite its prevalence, leishmaniasis is relatively neglected in Europe and not a priority for public health agencies. Epidemiological data on leishmaniasis are mainly available from southwestern Europe, with scarce and outdated information available from southeastern Europe, particularly the Balkan region [1] .…”

“…Physicians (and veterinarians) often lack knowledge and experience in diagnosing leishmaniasis, leading to underreporting and inaccurate data. Leishmania infantum is the primary causative agent of human VL and CL in the Balkans [2] .…”

Epidemiological Aspects and High Magnitude of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in Ceará, Northeast of Brazil, 2007-2021

“…Control measures were different and appropriate for each location 4 . Actions are carried out in an integrated manner against the vector, reservoirs, and environment for early diagnosis, effective patient management, and integration between medical and veterinary services 5 . Given this, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has adopted the risk stratification of visceral leishmaniasis with aggregation of social and environmental variables and epidemiological indicators to support the definition of public policies, prioritizing surveillance, and control actions in recent years 4 .…”