Morbidity and Mortality Profile of Leishmaniasis in an Andean Region of Ecuador in the Context of Climate Change

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease spread through bites from female sandflies of the genus Lutzomyia. Ecuador has three natural regions, characterized by their drastic changes in temperature and altitude: the Andes, which extend over 3000 meters above sea level; the Coast; and the Amazonia, which reach up to 1000 meters in elevation. Most reported cases of Leishmaniasis in Ecuador are associated with humid climates, rural areas on the coast, the Amazonia, and the Andean valleys. However, our study revealed an unexpected trend-areas of the Andes traditionally characterized by a cold climate reported positive cases of Leishmaniasis. To address this issue, we performed an ecological exploratory study based on official information about morbidity and mortality due to Leishmaniasis during the last ten years in the province of Chimborazo, located in the heart of the Andes. We obtained the data from records stored on the Ecuadorian Health Care Registration Platform and conducted statistical analyses using SPSS software. We found that between 2013 and 2022, the area reported 40 confirmed cases of Leishmaniasis, with 97.5% being cutaneous and 2.5% mucocutaneous, predominantly affecting children and males. These unexpected findings underscore the importance of understanding and managing the spread of the disease due to climate change.