Health Surveillance and Disease Management / Communicable Diseases / Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis Photo Gallery: Vector, Reservoirs, Parasite

Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease transmitted by the bite of the phlebotomine sandfly, which transmits the Amastigotes leishmania parasite. It affects vast areas of the Americas and puts millions of people at risk. Those affected by it tend to be the most vulnerable, indigenous peoples and others living in isolated rural areas or the many poor living in poverty in shantytowns on the fringes of large cities where access to health services is scarce. In addition, certain animals can act as a reservoir, including the family pet.

The thumbnail photos below in GIF are linked to the JPG versions in their original, larger size.

The phlebotime sandfly.	The sandfly biting a victim.	Sketch of a sandfly. Right: Ideal vector habitat.

Above: Dogs can develop ulcers and become reservoirs of infection. This owner, living in a recently cleared forest area near Rio de Janeiro, is being treated for leishmaniasis. (WHO/TDR/Mark Edwards)
		Reservoirs in the wild: Far left: anteater, opossum Adjacent left: sloth. Above and right: Amastigotes of Leishmania in a spleen smear.

Photos of affected persons and risk areas | TDR Image Library
PAHO Leishmaniasis Page | PAHO Zoonoses Page

	The Pan American Health Organization Promoting Health in the Americas