Leishmaniasis in Morocco: diseases and vectors

Leishmaniasis, a highly neglected disease, currently presents a significant health problem throughout Africa. This review presents a summarized analysis of its epidemiology in Moroccan context, a Mediterranean location in which leishmaniasis is prevalent and where both cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis have been reported.This study aims to determine the current leishmaniasis epidemiological situation in Morocco and the distribution of its different forms throughout the country. During the past 20 years, this disease has emerged as a major public health threat in Morocco. So, we gave a particular attention to vectorial status of Moroccan sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in view of its major role in diseases spreading.It seems clear that the risk of spread of the disease is rising in Morocco. Ecological characteristic of proven and potential vectors, according to climate and environmental changes, should be regarded as good marker to anticipate leishmaniasis distribution in Morocco.