By The newspaper
05 Nov 2023, 19:04 PM EST
A worrying trend is emerging in the United States, with cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis, a tropical disease usually contracted abroad, now appearing in people who have not traveled outside the country.
This is raising alarm among health experts as the disease can cause disfiguring skin lesions and, in severe cases, be fatal, according to a study presented at the 2023 annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Recent research by scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has discovered a genetic distinction between Leishmania parasites in non-travelers and those traditionally imported from foreign regions. This genetic variation suggests that cutaneous leishmaniasis may be establishing itself in some parts of the United States.
Dr. Mary Kamb, of the CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, said in a news release: “There have been previous indications of local transmission based on a small number of case reports, but now, for the first time “We have a distinct genetic fingerprint from a relatively large species group, providing further evidence that leishmaniasis may be well established in some parts of the United States.”
While most infections have been reported in Texas, sandflies capable of transmitting the disease can be found in various parts of the country, particularly in the southern United States.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites that reside in infected female sandflies. Once bitten by these sandflies, individuals become susceptible to skin ulcers that can leave permanent scars. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal and contributes to an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 deaths annually worldwide.
The rising number of cases in the United States is attributed to climate change. Rising global temperatures are creating more hospitable environments for sand flies in northern regions.
Dr. Vitaliano Cama, senior advisor to the CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, noted that “changes in climatic conditions may lead to environments suitable for the survival and reproduction of sandflies, allowing the transmission of leishmaniasis to emerge.” in new areas.”
Additionally, dogs play a role in the problem. Imported pets, particularly dogs from regions where the disease is prevalent, may be introducing cutaneous leishmaniasis into the United States.
Dr. Christine Petersen, director of the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases at the University of Iowa, emphasized the importance of improving the detection of infectious diseases in imported dogs, since they are the main host of this tropical parasite.
With a significant increase in dog imports to the United States each year, it is crucial to establish a robust system to prevent the introduction of Leishmania parasites into US sand fly populations.
Keep reading:
· What diseases can pets transmit to you and 5 tips to avoid them
· Syrian refugee crisis unleashes disease that has put the Middle East in check