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Review
. 2023 Feb;150(2):129-136.
doi: 10.1017/S0031182022001640. Epub 2022 Dec 1.

Revisiting epidemiology of leishmaniasis in central Asia: lessons learnt

Affiliations
Review

Revisiting epidemiology of leishmaniasis in central Asia: lessons learnt

Vyacheslav Yurchenko et al. Parasitology. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

In this work we reviewed historical and recent data on Leishmania spp. infection combining data collected in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, China and Mongolia. We specifically focused on a complex of co-existing species (Leishmania major, Leishmania turanica and Leishmania gerbilli) sharing the same animal reservoirs and vectors. In addition, we analysed the presence of dsRNA viruses in these species and discussed future research directions to identify species-specific traits, which may determine susceptibility of different Leishmania spp. to viral infection.

Keywords: Animal reservoir; Leishmania gerbilli; Leishmania major; Leishmania turanica; Leishmaniavirus; central Asia; coinfection; great gerbils.

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Conflict of interest statement

None.

Figures

None
Graphical abstract
Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Incidences of Leishmania spp. in the central Asia and Middle East over the distribution areas of their predominant animal reservoirs. Stripes indicate the presence of 2 species serving as animal reservoirs in the same territory.

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