Leishmaniasis in Thailand: A Review of Causative Agents and Situations.

Before 1999, leishmaniasis was considered an imported disease in Thailand. Since then, autochthonous leishmaniasis was reported in both immmunocompetent and immmunocompromised patients especially in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A new species was identified and named as consisting of two lineages, that is, lineages TR and PG. Analysis of isoenzymes has clarified the more commonly detected lineage PG as (MON-229), a species originally reported from the Martinique Island, whereas the lineage TR has been identified as the true novel species, (MON-324). Both cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) have been found among Thai patients. Disseminated CL and VL could be presented in some reported patients who had HIV/AIDS coinfection. So far, only sporadic cases have been reported; thus, the true prevalence of leishmaniasis should be determined in Thailand among the high-risk populations such as people with HIV/AIDS. A recent survey among animals identified DNA in black rats () suggesting a potential animal reservoir. In addition, DNA was identified in and , the predominant sandfly species in the affected areas. However, further studies are needed to prove that these sandflies could serve as the vector of leishmaniasis in Thailand.