Leishmania infantum

There are different types of leishmaniasis, including visceral leishmaniasis, also known as Kala-Azar, as well as cutaneous leishmaniasis and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Visceral leishmaniasis is the most severe form and affects the internal organs.

• Visceral leishmaniasis affects the organs. The pathogens are L. donovani, and in Europe, L. infantum.
• Cutaneous leishmaniasis only affects the skin. The pathogens are L. tropica major, L. tropica minor, L. tropica infantum, and L. aethiopica.
• Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis affects both the skin and the mucous membranes. The pathogen is L. braziliensis.

There is no commercially available vaccine against leishmaniasis. Prevention mainly focuses on avoiding contact with sandflies. Measures to control sandflies, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellents, can help reduce the transmission of Leishmania infantum.