Leishmaniasis among soldiers of stabilization forces in Iraq. Review article.

The results of studies concerning the incidence of leishmaniasis among soldiers of Stabilization Forces serving in Iraq in the years from 2003 to March 2004 are presented in this article, in the light of a possibility of importation of this disease to the countries of their origin. Epidemiology, clinical picture, laboratory diagnosis, treatment and prevention of leishmaniasis are described. In mid-2004, more than 2400 Polish soldiers served in Iraq. By the end of June 2004 no case of leishmaniasis was diagnosed among them. Among American troops serving in Iraq, 653 cases of cutaneous and 2 cases of visceral leishmaniasis were reported by the end of March 2004. According to the U.S. sources, the number of infected American soldiers could have been higher, from 750 to 1250 or even more, what made up to nearly 1% of U.S. troops serving in Iraq in 2003-2004.