Shifting Patterns of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Colombia: A 45-Year National Analysis

Parasitic diseases remain a significant public health concern in Colombia, with visceral leishmaniasis being a major neglected tropical disease in the region. A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from Universidad de La Salle has provided a nationwide assessment of the epidemiological patterns of cutaneous, mucosal, and visceral leishmaniasis in Colombia from 1980 to 2025. The study used 45 years of national surveillance data, disaggregated by clinical form, region, department, and demographic characteristics, to analyze incidence trends, spatial distribution, case fatality, and consultation delays.

Key Takeaways:

• The study reported a total of 319,567 cases of leishmaniasis, with cutaneous leishmaniasis accounting for the majority (99.5%), mucosal leishmaniasis for 1.5%, and visceral leishmaniasis for 0.5%.
• Cutaneous leishmaniasis peaked in the 2000s at over 100 cases per 100,000 before declining to about 57 per 100,000 in the 2020s.
• Mucosal leishmaniasis remained geographically restricted, while visceral leishmaniasis reemerged in the 2020s with an incidence of 0.20 per 100,000 and a case fatality rate of 3.6%.
• High burdens of leishmaniasis were concentrated in Amazonian, Pacific, and northern departments, with young rural males aged 15-29 years being the most affected group.
• The median consultation delay was 31 days, highlighting barriers to timely care.
• The study emphasizes the need for geographically tailored interventions, stronger surveillance, and integrated approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
• The research supports national policies and aligns with the WHO 2030 roadmap, which prioritizes timely care, vector control, and reduced inequities.

Statistics:

• Total number of leishmaniasis cases: 319,567
• Distribution of leishmaniasis cases:

+ Cutaneous leishmaniasis: 99.5% (319,262 cases)

+ Mucosal leishmaniasis: 1.5% (4,855 cases)

+ Visceral leishmaniasis: 0.5% (1,650 cases)

• Incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in the 2020s: 0.20 per 100,000
• Case fatality rate of visceral leishmaniasis in the 2020s: 3.6%
• Median consultation delay: 31 days
• Affected departments: Amazonian, Pacific, and northern departments
• Most affected age group: Young rural males aged 15-29 years

Sources:

• Spatiotemporal epidemiology of cutaneous, mucosal, and visceral leishmaniasis in Colombia, 1980-2025: insights from a 45-year national analysis. Acta Tropica, 2025:107863.
• Universidad de La Salle, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Bogota, Colombia.
• Julian F. Porras-Villamil, Mario J. Olivera, and Marius V. Fuentes.