Prostista --> Euglenozoa --> Kinetoplastida
Prostista --> Euglenozoa --> Kinetoplastida
PCR identification can identify L. tropica. It appears as a flagellated single-celled organism.
Two host, vector-transmitted
When a sand-fly takes a blood meal from an infected person, it may consume an infected cell containing amastigotes that transform into promastigotes, the flagellated form of this parasite, in the fly's gut. They replicate by binary fission and migrate to the proboscis. When the fly bites a susceptible human, the parasite is transmitted to this host, enters cells and forms more amastigotes.
Different species of sandfly in different parts of the world transmit L. tropica to humans. The parasite depends on ectothermic vectors and therefore is more prevalent in warmer climates. Preventative efforts against malaria and use of insecticides decrease incidences of leishmaniasis.
L. tropica is endemic to the Mediterranean, southern Europe and central Africa. It is also found in South and Central America as well as in Mexico.