<b>Review:</b> Vector-host-parasite inter-relationships in Leishmaniasis: a new concept

Abstract

This manuscript proposes a new hypothesis and a new concept in Leishmaniasis transmission, that points to a “vector-host-parasite” specificity. This concept will open a new approach for analysis of Leishmania/sandfly problems in transmission. Indeed, it will help to answer the following questions: 1-Why transmission doesn't occur from accidental hosts at all, but transmission occurs from reservoir host to either reservoir or accidental host? 2-Why transmission in nature is much more efficient than it would seem to be from experiments in the laboratory? 3- Why Leishmaniasis usually occur as an endemic disease and not epidemic one?


KEY WORDS: vector, Leishmania parasite, accidental host, reservoir host, transmission, differentiation.


Egyptian Journal of Biology Vol.4 2002: 157-164