Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Παιδιατρική ΛοιμωξιολογίαLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Supervisors info:
Σπυρίδης Νίκος, Επίκουρος Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Τσολιά Μαρία, Καθηγήτρια, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Μίχος Αθανάσιος, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Λεϊσμανίαση στον πληθυσμό της Κύπρου. Αναδρομική μελέτη 2005-2018
Translated title:
Leishmaniasis in Cyprus. Retrospective study 2005-2018
Summary:
Background:
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by an intracellural parasite transmitted to humans by the bite of the female sandfly. It is endemic in 97 countries worldwide with 700 000-1 000 000 new cases and 20 000- 30 000 deaths every year. In Cyprus leishmaniasis was prevalent before 1945.Two campaigns resulted the destruction of reservoir hosts and vectors and only few cases where reported until 2005. Since then an increased number of new leishmaniasis cases in humans have been reported in Cyprus. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of leishmaniasis in Cyprus and evaluate the current and future aspects of the problem.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed all leishmaniasis cases recorded in the population of Cyprus during the period 2005-2018. Data were accessed from Cyprus Ministry of Health, the Veterinary Services Laboratory and medical records. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and diagnostic findings as well as treatment and outcome data were collected.
Results:
Between 2005-2018, 38 cases of human leishmaniasis were recorded. 28 autochthonous and 10 imported cases by Syrian refugees.10 visceral cases were detected in local population. 6 visceral cases were diagnosed in children. Cutaneous leishmaniasis occurred in both local population (18 cases) and refugees (10). Median time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis of VL was 38 days vs CL 180 days. Anthroponotic Leishmania donovani-MON37 was identified in autochthonous cases while anthroponotic Leishmania tropica was identified in refugee cases. 4 out 6 pediatric (66%) visceral cases developed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis syndrome.
Conclusion:
Despite leishmaniasis is a rare disease in Cyprus it remains a serious problem of public health. Because of the delayed diagnosis of CL versus VL, the cutaneous form is considered a major risk factor for transmission. Therefore training of the physicians is required so that earlier diagnosis is achieved. The importation of anthroponotic L. tropica may become an additional problem if it becomes transmissible to the local population given the similarity of climatic conditions with Syria and the presence of competent vectors for transmission. Continuous surveillance of the pathogen and the disease is required.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Leishmaniasis, Leishmania, Cyprus, Pediatric, Children, Visceral, Cutaneous
