Leishmaniases are a group of heterogeneous vector-borne diseases caused by obligate intracellular
flagellated protozoans of genus Leishmania. At least 21 species have been proven to be
pathogenic to humans. The principal mode of transmission of leishmaniasis is by the bite of an
infected female sand-fly. Leishmania infections have six clinical forms, defined by the location
of the parasite in the infected tissues: visceral (VL), post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis
(PKDL), cutaneous (CL), diffuse cutaneous (DCL), mucocutaneous (MCL) and mucosal (ML)
leishmaniasis. The clinical outcomes of leishmaniais dep- end on factors inherent to the parasite,
the vector, and the host. Leishmaniasis is emerging and threatens to become an uncontrollable
disease. Most patients live in low-to-middle income countries where governments are faced with
limited healthcare budgets and other ailments such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV. As a result,
little research is dedicated to the diagnosis, management, and control of leishmaniasis. This
brief review focuses on recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment strategies of leishmaniasis
caused by both Old and New World Leishmania species.