Geospatial-temporal distribution of Tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Colombia (2007–2016)

Abstract

BackgroundTegumentary Leishmaniasis (TL) is a neglected disease with worldwide distribution and considered a public health problem, especially in Latin America. In Colombia, the governmental epidemiological surveillance system (SIVIGILA) is responsible for collecting information on the presentation of cases of TL from each of the municipalities and departments. In absence of a study compiling and analyzing currently available metadata of TL in Colombia, this study describes the geospatial-temporal distribution of TL and identifies the regions of the country on which prevention measures should be established in order to control the disease.Methodology/Principal findingsThis is an exploratory descriptive analysis of the distribution of TL in Colombia. Information was collected on new cases of the disease during the years 2007–2016 from the Colombian reporting system (SIVIGILA). Incidence calculations were made based on population estimates by departments and biogeographical regions. Time evolution is shown in biennial maps. A 10-year series was analyzed, showing that the Amazon region is the most affected in terms of incidence, while the Andean region has the highest number of cases with a high variability among the departments that make it up. In those departments where there is a greater reported diversity of vector species, a large number of cases was observed.Conclusions/SignificanceTransmission dynamics of TL in Colombia in the past 10 years have been variable, with a greater concentration of cases in the central and southern departments. The present study contributes to improve the understanding of the patterns of distribution of TL in Colombia and can be a basis for future studies of impact evaluation of Health policies in the country and the region.

Complex ecological interactions across a focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Eastern Colombia: novel description of Leishmania species, hosts and phlebotomine fauna

“…panamensis than L. braziliensis , with the latter mainly found in sylvatic environments [ 12 , 52 – 55 ]. As was found in previous studies, we observed a greater genetic diversity in L. braziliensis than in L. panamensis [ 9 , 12 ]. In addition, some haplotypes were typical for each locality studied ( figure 6 a and b ) or even more restricted areas, i.e.…”

“…and, in some of these countries, its presence is based on climatic variations and/or seasons [ 7 , 8 ]. In Colombia, 163 species of the Phlebotominae subfamily have been described, of which 21 are of medical importance [ 6 , 7 , 9 ].…”

“…In Colombia, one important transmission focus encompasses mainly rural areas of the municipality of Arboledas in the state of Norte de Santander [ 10 ]. Between 2014 and 2016, Norte de Santander recorded unstable incidence rates (15.4 ± 51.6 cases per 100 000 inhabitants) with a tendency towards the higher values [ 9 ]. Arboledas contributed to 21% (398/1852) of the total cases reported in Norte de Santander during this period.…”

“…The circulation of a variety of Leishmania species and vectors in the border regions of Colombia has been previously studied [ 6 , 9 ]. Epidemiological studies have been conducted in the region since the 1990s.…”

“…However, the region has undergone remarkable changes in terms of the socioeconomic conditions, human migration and environmental factors, all of which are known to affect species distribution, parasites, reservoirs and hosts in areas of CL transmission. Therefore, it is necessary to continue conducting detailed ecological studies to understand the complexity of these changing scenarios and because, despite the prevention and control activities carried out by public health institutions, transmission cycles have been maintained and have intensified over time [ 9 ]. The aim of this study was to determine the ecological interactions among sand flies, parasites, and hosts in two localities in Arboledas using a new approach.…”