Zoonotic impact and epidemiological changes of leishmaniasis in Ethiopia

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is one of the growing public health challenges in Ethiopia and estimated over 7,000 and 50,000 new cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) per year, respectively. The aim of the review is to address zoonotic impact and epidemiological changes of leishmaniasis in Ethiopia. VL is caused by L. donovani and it is endemic in many parts of the country with one third of the country’s landmass is highly suitable for VL. CL is principally caused by L. aethiopica. CL is endemic and widespread in the highland of Ethiopia. Northern lowland foci are Humera and Metema plains in the Tigray and Amhara regional states constitute the main VL endemic areas in the country, contributing over 60% of the total burden. The southern foci are the south-western savannah, and the south-eastern semi-arid lowlands which account for approximately 20 % of the total VL burden in Ethiopia. Leishmaniasis is a serious zoonotic disease in Ethiopia with more reservoir hosts maintaining the disease. Dogs and hyraxes are the main reservoir hosts for visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in the country, respectively. Epidemiological changes of leishmaniasis may relate to environmental changes and expansion of mega projects such as irrigations and sugar cane factories, knowledge and socio-economic factors, development of new settlements, migration of peoples and HIV/AIDS co-infection. Expansions of mega projects such as sugar factories and irrigations are suitable for reproduction of stray dogs, rodents, wild canids and vectors. VL is one of the major challenges to prevent and control in the endemic areas of the country. Therefore, new research should be imperative, especially in the mega projects to design strategic control and prevention methods.

Spatial dynamics and socioeconomic factors correlated with American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Pernambuco, Brazil from 2008 to 2017

“…However, there was an increase in the incidence rates in the second period. Such casuistry was observed in Brazil from 1985 onwards, where an increasing number of cases presented transmission peaks every 5 years 3 , corresponding to the increasing incidence observed in the provinces of Iran 29,31,32 and Ethiopia 30 . Moreover, the increased incidence may be related to the anthropic actions due to socioeconomic pressure, especially the disordered urbanization that contributes to the domination of the sandfly responsible for transmission of the disease [10][11][12][13] .…”

Leishmaniasis Beyond East Africa

“…The incidence rate per 10,000 people in endemic areas is 6.28 for VL and 1.05 for CL ( 44 ). Nationally, over 28–30 million people are considered to live in areas that put them at risk of contracting leishmaniasis ( 45 , 46 ). The major causative species in this region are L. donovani for VL (though L. infantum has been recorded) and L. aethiopica for CL ( L. major and L. tropica have also less frequently been reported) ( 35 , 47 , 48 ).…”

“…HIV-VL co-endemicity in north-west Ethiopia has resulted in coinfection rates of 20–40%, where the associated immunosuppression aids VL development and HIV progression ( 113 , 114 ). Other proposed risk factors include implementation of irrigation systems, the development of the sugar industry and forest clearance ( 45 ).…”

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma Gondii and Leishmania Spp. Infections in Apparently Healthy Dogs in West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

“…In Ethiopia, there are several foci of Leishmania spp. infections with frequent outbreaks leading to over 7,000 and 50,000 new cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) per year, respectively [18]. This has contributed to their identi cation as a major public health concern.…”

“…that play an important role in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis by spreading the parasites to humans through the sand ies [21]. In Ethiopia, dogs and hyraxes are the main reservoir hosts for visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, respectively [18]. However, poor knowledge of leishmaniasis in the canine population is available.…”