La leishmaniose viscérale en Algérie : apport d’une revue de la littérature et d’une enquête épidémiologique dans la wilaya de Tizi Ouzou (2003–2022)

Abstract

The present study was designed, on the one hand, to analyze the eco-epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive characteristics of VL in Algeria through a literature review, and on the other hand, to assess the epidemiological situation of the disease in the main and historical focus of the country (Tizi Ouzou) through a retrospective study. In the first study, published articles on VL in Algeria were searched in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate databases. The inclusion criteria were based on keyword searches such as “Leishmaniasis in Algeria” and “Epidemiology of VL in Algeria,” publicly accessible as of June 15, 2025. VL is a major parasitic infection in Algeria. The disease, caused exclusively by Leishmania infantum, is present in all wilayas, although a decline in incidence has been observed in the northern regions of the country. Several species of sandflies and reservoir hosts are involved in its transmission. Clinical symptoms are diverse; Glucantime is the most commonly used treatment, and parasitological examination remains the primary diagnostic method. Control strategies remain limited and largely ineffective in the face of numerous existing challenges. In the second retrospective study, data obtained from the Directorate of Health and Population of Tizi Ouzou were analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel 2021 and SPSS 21, while ArcGIS 10.8 software was used for mapping the reported cases. A total of 49 cases of VL were reported between 2003 and 2022, with a marked decrease in incidence over recent years. VL was observed throughout the year, with peaks in March and May. Female patients were slightly more affected, with a sex ratio of 0.96. VL primarily affects children, with those aged 0 to 9 years — especially between 2 and 5 years — being the most vulnerable. The spatial distribution of reported cases was found to be random according to Moran’s Index, but not statistically significant (Moran’s Index = -0.07, z = -0.73, p < 0.46). In total, 30 municipalities (representing 44.78% of the wilaya’s municipalities) reported VL cases, with the highest number recorded in the municipality of Tizi Ouzou (5 cases).