Leishmaniases in the Mediterranean in the era of molecular epidemiology.
Molecular tools are used increasingly for descriptive epidemiological studies in different Mediterranean foci of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases. Several molecular markers with different resolution levels have been developed to address key epidemiological questions related to the (re-)emergence and spread of leishmaniases, as well as its risk factors: environmental changes, immunosuppression and treatment failure. Typing and analytical tools are improving but are not yet addressing all epidemiological issues satisfactorily. There is an urgent need for better cooperation between laboratory scientists and epidemiologists and for regional epidemiological surveillance of these infectious diseases that affect all Mediterranean countries.
Schönian
Gabriele
G
Institut für Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Dorotheenstr. 96, D-10117 Berlin, Germany. gabriele.schoenian@charite.de
Mauricio
Isabel
I
Gramiccia
Marina
M
Cañavate
Carmen
C
Boelaert
Marleen
M
Dujardin
Jean-Claude
JC
D000818:Animals; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007891:Leishmania / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D007896:Leishmaniasis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000453:epidemiology; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000453:epidemiology; D019083:Mediterranean Region / Q000453:epidemiology; D017720:Molecular Epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D017211:Treatment Failure
D005819:Genetic Markers