ABSTRACT

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a public health problem on a global level because it affects the population of 88 countries. In Morocco, it is widely distributed, caused by Leishmania tropica, Leishmania major and Leishmania infantum rarely. The geographical distribution of different forms of leishmaniasis in Morocco is linked to well described bioclimatic zones. Over the past two decades, the epidemiological situation of CL has changed significantly. It acquire an increasingly epidemic status with geographic expansion to previously free areas and the emergence of overlapping foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis and visceral leishmaniasis in several provinces of Morocco. In this review the evolution of the epidemiological situation and epidemiological factors which influenced the course of it in the past two decades will be reported. (Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2014; 38: 5-8)

Keywords: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, epidemiology, Morocco