The parasitology team at the "Severo Ochoa" Molecular biology centre (CSIC-UAM) has focused its research efforts on the search for a vaccine capable of activating immunity against the parasite that causes leishmaniasis.
There is evidence that proves the feasibility of such an effective vaccine design to prevent leishmaniasis. It is based on first identifying the compounds that the parasite uses to cause the pathology, isolating them, and finally introducing those compounds into the body in a safe manner, giving the immune system a chance to be alert against a possible infection.
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a protozoan intracellular parasite of the genus Leishmania that exhibits diverse symptoms and pathologies. These parasites are transmitted by a dipterous insect know as a sand fly (Phlebotomus), that acts as a vector for the disease and its genus differs depending on the geographical area. Human leishmaniasis is widely distributed around the globe and according to data from the WHO there are currently around 12 million people infected and 350 million people living under the threat of the disease in 88 different countries, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions.
In Spain, canine leishmaniasis constitutes a huge problem with 50% of infected dogs developing the pathology. In most cases it ends with the death of the animal, mainly because treatments are not efficient and have highly toxic side effects. Therefore, the house dog is considered the main hide-out for Leishmania infantum in the mediterranean area, playing a key role in the transmission of the parasite into humans through the sand fly. It should also be pointed out that the cases of leishmaniasis in patients suffering from advanced stages of AIDS with weakened immune systems is increasing. And although these cases are not as frequent, there are recently described cases of Leishmaniasis in cats and some horse species in many Mediterranean as well as South American countries.