The Epidemiology of PCR-Confirmed Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Israel: A Nationwide Study
Background: Leishmaniasis, mainly cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), is endemic in Israel. In recent years, the diagnosis of leishmaniasis has transitioned to a molecular diagnosis. Objective: To summarize all cases of leishmaniasis and the identified species seen in Israel based on molecular diagnosis....
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-09-01
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| Series: | Microorganisms |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/12/10/1950 |
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| Summary: | Background: Leishmaniasis, mainly cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), is endemic in Israel. In recent years, the diagnosis of leishmaniasis has transitioned to a molecular diagnosis. Objective: To summarize all cases of leishmaniasis and the identified species seen in Israel based on molecular diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective study was performed of patients diagnosed with leishmaniasis between January 2017 and December 2022. All five medical centers in Israel in which Leishmania diagnosis is performed were included: Soroka, HaEmek, Hadassah, Rambam, and Sheba, all utilized molecular diagnostic methods. Data on the annual number of cases, species, age, and gender were retrieved. Results: During the years 2017–2022, a total of 4168 cases of leishmaniasis were diagnosed, which corresponds with ~7/100,000 inhabitants. <i>L.</i> (L.) <i>major</i> and <i>L.</i> (L.) <i>tropica</i> accounted for 84% and 14%, respectively. During the years 2020–2021, <i>L.</i> (L.) <i>infantum</i> emerged as a new form of cutaneous disease [2.7% of cases during this period]. Visceral <i>L.</i> (L.) <i>infantum</i> was found in five cases. Imported New World leishmaniasis accounted for 1% of the cases. <i>L.</i> (L.) <i>major</i> affected more males (67%) while <i>L.</i> (L.) <i>tropica</i> commonly affected more children and caused more facial lesions. Conclusions: The mean annual number of cases during these years is ~700. The dominant species is <i>L.</i> (L.) <i>major.</i> Since 2020, cutaneous <i>L.</i> (L.) <i>infantum</i> is an emerging infection in Israel. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-2607 |