Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection caused by many species of the protozoa 
Leishmania. It occurs in endemic foci scattered throughout Asia, Africa, the 
Americas, and the Mediterranean countries. The disease is complex and may 
simulate many skin and systemic diseases. With awareness and suspicion, however, 
leishmaniasis is relatively easy to diagnose. Undiagnosed, it causes 
considerable morbidity and mortality. Treatment is often difficult, and current 
therapies leave much to be desired.