Leishmaniasis control in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa

Uwishema O., Sapkota S., Wellington J., Onyeaka C. V. P., Onyeaka H.

Annals of Medicine and Surgery, vol.80, 2022 (Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 80
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104263
  • Journal Name: Annals of Medicine and Surgery
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus
  • Keywords: Africa, COVID-19, Leishmaniasis, Tropical diseases
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: No

Abstract

© 2022 The Author(s)Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease, endemic to Africa, Asia, and South America due to inadequate access to medication and underreporting of leishmaniasis cases. Leishmaniasis has two forms: cutaneous and visceral. The fight against leishmaniasis has been greatly affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that impacted resource distribution and access to medication. Continuous effort in vaccine development and affordable therapeutics are necessary to eliminate leishmaniasis in low-income countries. Further research is necessary to determine molecular drug resistance markers in leishmaniasis patients. In this analysis, we focus on the effect of COVID-19 on leishmaniasis in Africa.