Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease: Focus on Latin American Context

Dear Colleagues,

Vector-borne parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis and Chagas disease pose significant public health challenges worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Leishmaniasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum, is a zoonotic disease primarily transmitted by sand flies, with dogs serving as the main reservoir for the canine form of the disease. Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted by triatomine bugs and affects millions of people. These diseases are characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic infections to severe, life-threatening complications, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to combat them.

Recent innovations have transformed the management of vector-borne parasitic diseases. Diagnostic advancements include recombinant proteins like rMELEISH, which improve the serological test accuracy for leishmaniasis. Computer-aided drug design (CADD) accelerates therapeutic discovery by optimizing drug–target interactions. As a form of prevention, chimeric protein vaccines and nanoparticles boost immunity and hinder parasite transmission. Additionally, novel vector control methods, such as insecticide-impregnated collars, effectively reduce disease prevalence.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive platform for insights relating to the field of vector-borne parasitic diseases. We invite submissions of various types, including original research articles, comprehensive reviews, communications, and case reports.

Dr. Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino
Dr. Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
Guest Editors

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