Leishmania Infantum

Leishmania infantum is a species of parasitic organism that causes leishmaniasis, a contagious tropical disease. It is the leading cause of endemic leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean basin, with an estimated 300,000 cases reported annually worldwide. The parasite is spread through the bite of an infected sand fly that passes the parasite from an infected animal or human to a non-infected one. Symptoms of leishmaniasis can include a fever, ulcers on the skin and mucous membranes, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue. Depending on the species of Leishmania, the treatment of leishmaniasis can involve antimony-containing compounds, Pentamidine, or Miltefosine. Prevention of the disease relies on reducing contact with sand flies, the main vector of transmission.