Marsupials have been the subjects of studies of both
experimental and natural infections with different species of Leishmania in the Americas as well as Australia.
Over a century has passed since the first description of a mammal being
infected with Leishmania and since
then several reviews have been published on the systematics of the parasites as
well as their hosts. Consequently, an update of this information is needed in
order to assure correct identification of the species involved in each case. A
comprehensive review was undertaken and included most of the records of
marsupials being infected with Leishmania sp.Emphasis was placed on
parasitological, eco epidemiological and taxonomic information of both the
parasites and mammalian hosts. The clinical profiles of the infections varied
from severe, which principally occurred in experimentally infected animals, to
asymptomatic, which was typical of natural infections. Marsupials must be
considered one of the most important groups of mammalian hosts of Leishmania sp. Important factors, such
as their ancient origin, wide geographical distribution and susceptibility to
infections by different species of Leishmania, but with considerable resistance to the disease, could indicate that didelphids play a key role in the evolution of Leishmania in the New World.
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