Control of the leishmaniases: WHO TRS N°793

Overview

This report draws together world knowledge about the leishmaniases in order to establish guidelines for control that are specific to the different disease forms, parasite species, reservoir hosts, an vectors found in some 80 countries. The report takes its focus from recent progress in the identification of parasites and vectors as well as major advances in knowledge about the geographical distribution and prevalence of infection. Recommended control measures draw added force from the growing awareness that long-standing endemic foci can suddenly erupt into epidemics.

The first main chapter, devoted to the leishmaniases in man, provides a richly detailed account of the seven main forms of clinical disease, their parasites, reservoir hosts, and vectors. The second chapter surveys measures for control, offering advice on the confirmation of diagnosis, passive case detection, active medical surveillance, treatment protocols for each disease form, and measures for the control of reservoir hosts and different species of sandfly.