Leishmaniasis in Northern Cyprus

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease that is caused by Leishmania parasites. Sandflies are the vectors, and dogs are the primary reservoir of Leishmania spp. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common form of the disease, whereas visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe form and is generally fatal if left untreated. The disease is seen in 98 countries and distributed through three regions on five continents. The island of Cyprus is located in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region where leishmaniasis is endemic. The presence of sandflies, canine leishmaniasis (CanL), and human VL and CL cases has been documented in Northern and Southern Cyprus. CanL cases were found at various rates between 1.9% and 13.2% in Northern Cyprus. In 1990, Leishmanin skin test positivity was detected in Northern Cyprus, and Leishmania infantum was found to be the infecting agent. In 2016, three pediatric VL cases caused by L. infantum were reported in Northern Cyprus. More recently, in a study conducted in Kyrenia District, three seropositive individuals have been detected. In the study, seven individuals, including the seropositive persons, were found to have a history of CL. Consequently, these studies indicate the presence of leishmaniasis in Northern Cyprus. Therefore, vector and reservoir control programs should be implemented for prevention of the disease.

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