Algerian leishmaniasis history.

Abstract

Historically, leishmaniasis can be traced back to more than 2500 BC, according to several hypotheses, fossil records, and molecular results on archaeological resource samples. In this article, we delve into history to provide some facts and preliminary information serving as a historical overview of leishmaniasis in Algeria, an endemic country ranked second worldwide for the cutaneous form. This article provides an overview of the current situation based on an in-depth analysis of epidemiological data, scientific publications, and official reports. It aims to strengthen data and information on this zoonosis in this country to encourage and prompt more responsible social and scientific behavior. We started with Algerian leishmaniasis before Algeria's French colonial period (before 1830), then the colonial period (between 1830 and 1962), and finally, the country's current period of independence (after 1962). The overall aim of this work is to update the data provided on this parasitosis and make a positive contribution to the fight against this pathology, which remains, until now, a source of mortality and physical and psychological after-effects for all affected patients in this country.