[Leishmaniasis: update].

PARASITE IDENTIFICATION: Leishmaniases are a group of parasitic diseases affecting 88 countries in four continents. Isoenzymatic electrophoresis, presently the gold standard technique for Leishmania identification, has led to the development of the phenetic and phylogenetic classifications commonly in use. Study of the genome of these parasites is particularly important because of the features it presents. PARASITE CYCLE: Parasite transmission to mammals is facilitated by sandfly saliva. The parasite invades the human dermis by complex mechanisms involving molecular interactions allowing the parasite to survive after intracellular penetration. CLINICAL EXPRESSION: Clinical outcome of leishmaniases depends on both the Leishmania species tropism and the host's immune response. Immunosuppressive status, whatever its origin, facilitates Leishmania infection and worsens the clinical picture. TREATMENT: No new developments have occurred for a long time in the treatment of leishmaniases. Individual prophylactic measures are limited to insecticide impregnated bednets for human use and insecticide collars for prevention of canine leishmaniases.