Epidemiology and clinical spectrum of leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum in Tunisia: Current status, challenges, and perspectives

The transmission cycle of L. infantum is not fully elucidated, but domestic dogs and P. perniciosus are considered the primary reservoir and vector for VL, respectively, while, other potential mammalian hosts and sandflies vectors were suspected for CL. Comparative data from Algeria, Morocco, Libya, and southern Europe suggest both common patterns and local specificities in L. infantum transmission, underscoring the importance of regional collaboration. The epidemiological and clinical complexity of L. infantum, together with its expanding geographic distribution in Tunisia, underscores the need for further integrated research to clarify transmission cycles and implement effective prevention and control strategies.