Leishmaniasis in Europe and Central Asia: Epidemiology, Impact of Habitat and Lifestyle Changes, HIV Coinfection

Knock, knock, knocking on Europe’s door: Threat of leishmaniasis in Europe with a focus on Turkey

“…In recent years, there has been evidence of the re-emergence of leishmaniasis in previously endemic regions as well as the emergence of the disease in previously non-endemic regions of Europe ( ECDC, 2022 ). This resurgence can be attributed to various factors, including climate change, environmental modifications, human and animal movements, urbanization, and socio-economic changes ( Barth-Jaeggi and Mäser, 2021 ). Countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Turkey have observed the spread of vector-borne diseases and the neglect of leishmaniasis ( ECDC, 2022 ).…”

“…VL caused by L. infantum is the most prevalent form of leishmaniasis in Europe, particularly affecting children and immunocompromised adults ( Barth-Jaeggi and Mäser, 2021 ). The highest incidence rates are reported in the southern Caucasus region, including Georgia and Azerbaijan, as well as the Mediterranean basin countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal ( Özbel et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Co-infection with HIV poses a significant challenge for VL control, as it increases the risk of clinical disease and relapse, reduces treatment response, and facilitates the spread of the parasite. In the 1990s, HIV/VL coinfection played a crucial role in the re-emergence of VL in southern Europe, and it remains a public health concern, particularly in countries with high HIV prevalence, like Spain and Portugal ( Barth-Jaeggi and Mäser, 2021 ; Kantzanou et al, 2023 ).…”