The Impact of Anthropic and Natural Events on Leishmaniasis Burden, Control Measures, and Public Health Importance

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is an important neglected disease among infectious diseases, which is highly affected by diverse adverse conditions. Due to the intricate nature of Leishmania, the impact of the disease remains significant. In this review, we aim to assess the role of these factors that influence disease trends and introduce preventive and control strategies, highlighting their importance in public health issues. Numerous influencing factors, such as trade and travel, civil unrest, migration, low socioeconomic status, peri-urban settlements, ecological changes, climate variations, and many other confounding factors, play significant roles in the transmission and distribution of leishmaniasis. On the other hand, inadequate infrastructure and disruptions in the health system services are closely linked with the incidence of leishmaniasis in vulnerable populations. These circumstances contribute to the alteration of vector and reservoir compositions, land degradation, agricultural setbacks, water scarcity, and livestock depletion, resulting in increased infectious and noninfectious disease conditions. In conclusion, significant anthropic and natural environmental changes have the potential to trigger leishmaniasis outbreaks in established endemic areas and lead to the emergence/reemergence of new foci in previously unaffected regions. Consequently, enhancing public health awareness, particularly in high-risk regions, along with implementing active and passive surveillance, ensuring early diagnosis, and providing timely and effective treatment for patients, are vital measures for controlling the disease.