Neglect of Leishmaniasis in Europe
Author Information
Author(s): Dujardin Jean-Claude, Campino Lenea, Cañavate Carmen, Dedet Jean-Pierre, Gradoni Luigi, Soteriadou Ketty, Mazeris Apostolos, Ozbel Yusuf, Boelaert Marleen
Primary Institution: Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde, Antwerp, Belgium
Hypothesis
The neglect of leishmaniasis in Europe is overshadowed by the focus on exotic vector-borne diseases.
Conclusion
Leishmaniasis is endemic in southern Europe, yet it remains underreported and neglected in public health policies.
Supporting Evidence
- Leishmaniasis is endemic in all southern countries of Europe.
- Approximately 700 autochthonous human cases are reported each year.
- Leishmaniasis has a high seroprevalence in domestic dogs, up to 25%.
- Underreporting of cases is common due to lack of public health surveillance.
- New species of Leishmania may colonize European sand fly vectors.
Takeaway
Leishmaniasis is a disease that affects people in southern Europe, but many people don't know about it because it's not getting enough attention from health officials.
Methodology
This publication reviews the current state of leishmaniasis in Europe, discussing its prevalence, underreporting, and the need for better surveillance.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of bias due to the reliance on voluntary reporting and the potential for misdiagnosis.
Limitations
The study highlights the lack of coordinated surveillance and underreporting of cases across Europe.
Participant Demographics
The publication discusses leishmaniasis cases primarily in southern European countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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