Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Parasitology 1735-7020 21 01 2026 05 19 01 10 EN bahador shahriari Rad Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Reza Shafiei 0000-0001-9604-2982 Mohammad Amin Ghatee 0000-0001-6325-038X 2025 08 01 Background: Viscerotropic leishmaniasis (VTL), a recently recognized variant of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), presents unique clinical challenges due to its nonspecific symptoms, primarily caused by Leishmania tropica. VTL is increasingly prevalent in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) endemic regions, particularly in Iran. This study reviews the distribution and identification of VTL in human and animal hosts in Iran, examining host demographics, geographic location, causative Leishmania species, clinical manifestations, and genetic diversity to enhance understanding of leishmaniasis epidemiology. Methods: A comprehensive database search identified 23 relevant studies utilizing PCR techniques for species identification. Results: Findings indicate that VTL in Iran is predominantly caused by L. tropica, with occasional cases attributed to L. major. Interestingly, L. infantum, typically associated with VL, has also been implicated in CL across various regions, suggesting its potential role in dermotropic leishmaniasis (DL) in humans. Additionally, rare cases of L. tropica-induced VTL in dogs have been reported. Conclusion: Addressing VTL requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates research, surveillance, and targeted interventions to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Furthermore, developing rapid, cost-effective diagnostic tools to distinguish VTL from other infections and evaluating therapies for VTL caused by L. tropica and L. major are crucial steps in protecting vulnerable populations and reducing the disease burden. https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/view/4701 https://ijpa.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijpa/article/download/4701/1473