Spatial Epidemiologic Trends and Hotspots of Leishmaniasis, Sri Lanka, 2001–2018

Abstract

Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease, is on the decline in South Asia. However, cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis have risen in Sri Lanka since 2001, and the lack of in-depth research on its epidemiologic characteristics hampers control efforts. We analyzed data collected from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka during 2001–2018 to study temporal and geographic trends and identify and monitor disease hotspots. We noted a progression in case rates, including a sharp rise in 2018, showing temporal expansion of disease-prevalent areas and 2 persistent hotspots. The northern hotspot shifted and shrank over time, but the southern hotspot progressively expanded and remained spatially static. In addition, we noted regional incidence differences for age and sex. We provide evidence of temporally progressive and spatially expanding incidence of leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka with distinct geographic patterns and disease hotspots, signaling an urgent need for effective disease control interventions.

Computational approach to identify potential antileishmanial activity of reported inhibitor, E5700 and two natural alkaloids against Leishmania donovani Squalene Synthase

“…Mild Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, serious Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis and fatal Visceral Leishmaniasis are the three clinical forms of the disease. The parasite, Leishmania donovani is the causative agent for Leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka (Karunaweera et al, 2020). However, there is currently no ideal vaccine or a drug of choice available to cure any form of Leishmaniasis.…”

Perceived Risk and Mental Health Problems among Healthcare Professionals during COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Mediating Effects of Resilience and Coronavirus Fear

“…During COVID-19, perceived risk and severity of the virus were associated with poor mental health outcomes (Li et al 2020 ) and greater tendency to practice preventive behaviours against COVID-19 (Khosravi 2020 ; Wise et al 2020 ). Another study reported high levels of perceived risk, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, worry, general anxiety, and disruption in daily life due to COVID-19 (Kwok et al 2020 ). Similar results have been reported from other infectious diseases, including SARS and Ebola; higher perceived risk was associated with greater mental health problems (Cheng et al 2006 ; Yang and Chu 2018 ).…”

First Evidence from Sri Lanka for Subphenotypic Diversity within L. donovani-Induced Classical Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

“…Slow progressing lesions in the North indicate a more stable host-parasite relationship leading to silent expansion of the disease focus. This could be an underlying reason for the previously observed silent expansion of the northern focus while southern focus remained more confined and stable over the time [ 26 , 33 ]. Slow progressing nonulcerating infections in the North may be the result of a well-adopted parasite strain that coevolved with its host for a long period of time while inducing only a minimal host response.…”