Sharp Rise in Leishmania Cases Raises Concerns of an Endemic in the US
The United States is witnessing a sharp rise in cases of Leishmania, a skin-disfiguring parasite that is causing concern among experts. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported 1,222 positive cases of Leishmania in the US. This parasite is transmitted through the bites of infected female sandflies and can lead to a condition known as leishmaniasis, which manifests as skin sores within a few weeks or months after a bite.
Traditionally, these cases were found in individuals who had traveled to tropical or subtropical climates outside the US, such as central Asia, northern Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. However, the CDC discovered 86 samples of Leishmania from people who had not recently traveled outside the US, indicating that the disease may now be endemic in the country.
Of particular concern is the discovery of an unusual strain of Leishmania that seems genetically different from travel-related cases, suggesting that it may be spreading locally within the US. The majority of the samples were collected from Texas, although it is uncertain whether it is exclusive to the state. The findings were presented by the CDC at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in Chicago.
Dr. Mary Kamb, an epidemiologist at the CDC, emphasized the importance of raising awareness among healthcare providers, including clinicians, dermatologists, infectious disease doctors, and general practitioners. Leishmaniasis can often be a silent infection without noticeable symptoms or signs. However, individuals who develop clinical evidence of infection may exhibit one or more sores on their skin. These sores can change in size and appearance over time, starting as papules or nodules and progressing to ulcers that may be covered by scabs or crusts.
Although most of the reported cases so far have been in Texas, there have also been additional reports of leishmaniasis in Florida, although these cases have not been confirmed. Furthermore, an increasing number of cases have been detected in Arizona and Oklahoma. Experts are still trying to understand whether the true rate of new infections is increasing or if improved detection methods are responsible for the rise.
Leishmania remains relatively uncommon in the US, according to Joshua Lieberman, assistant director of the molecular microbiology clinical laboratory at UW Medicine. As researchers continue to study and monitor the spread of this parasite within the country, it is crucial to disseminate information and educate healthcare providers to promptly identify and address cases of leishmaniasis.
In conclusion, the rising number of Leishmania cases and the detection of an unusual strain in the US has raised concerns among experts. Identifying and understanding the spread of this parasitic infection is crucial to ensure timely treatment and prevention measures, while healthcare providers play a vital role in recognizing and managing cases. As further research is conducted, it is essential to raise awareness and promote vigilance among medical professionals to effectively address the potential threat of an endemic in the US.
