Recent studies have greatly clarified the epidemiological situation of leishmaniases in the Middle East. Notable contributions have come from the accurate identification of the parasites responsible for the different diseases, correlation of disease prevalence with bioclimatic zones, and the incrimination of reservoir hosts.
Sufficient information now exists in many areas for the prediction of outbreaks and the establishment of pilot control schemes in development projects. However, much remains to be learned on the significance of cryptic infections and on the population dynamics of reservoir hosts.
