Leishmaniasis in Ecuador: a bibliographic review

Abstract

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is considerate one of the nine more important tropical diseases in the world, due to its morbidity and mortality. Registering 1.5 to 2 million new cases per year, representing a severe health problem in tropical countries.

Objective: Perform a bibliographic review to update the knowledge of health professionals in the country about leishmaniasis.

Materials and Methods: A systematic review of papers published in indexed journals was conducted, the search was performed in the databases: GPC- NICE, PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, SciELO, PAHO Health virtual library.

Results: It has been registered 800 sand mosquitoes species in the world, of which 10% transmitted an specific specie of the protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania. In Ecuador the parasite is found in 22 of 24 provinces, with a record of 6608 cases of infection between the years 2010 – 2014.  Showing an increase of 21305 cases in 2016. The diagnosis is performed by microscopic examination of smear or aspirate of skin ulcers. In Ecuador, the main treatment recommended by the Ministry of Public Health is the meglumine antimoniate in a dose of 10 - 15 mg/kg/day. 

Conclusions: Health personnel must be trained to recognize this zoonosis in an early stage, facilitating prompt treatment and avoiding diagnostic errors. The treatment must be performed according to the established parameters, expecting a favorable evolution of the patient.