Visceral leishmaniasis: Difference between revisions
mNo edit summary |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
= Visceral | {{Infobox disease | ||
| name = Visceral leishmaniasis | |||
| image = Amastigotes in a chorionic villus.jpg | |||
| caption = Amastigotes of ''Leishmania'' in a chorionic villus | |||
| field = Infectious disease | |||
| symptoms = Fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver | |||
| complications = Anemia, secondary infections | |||
| causes = ''Leishmania'' parasites | |||
| risks = Malnutrition, poverty, immunosuppression | |||
| diagnosis = Microscopy, serology, PCR | |||
| treatment = Antimonial drugs, amphotericin B, miltefosine | |||
| prevention = Vector control, bed nets | |||
}} | |||
'''Visceral leishmaniasis''' | '''Visceral leishmaniasis''', also known as '''kala-azar''', is a severe form of [[leishmaniasis]] caused by protozoan parasites of the ''[[Leishmania]]'' genus. It is transmitted by the bite of infected [[sandflies]]. The disease is characterized by irregular bouts of fever, substantial weight loss, swelling of the spleen and liver, and anemia. | ||
==Epidemiology== | |||
Visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in parts of the [[Indian subcontinent]], [[East Africa]], and [[Brazil]]. It is estimated that 50,000 to 90,000 new cases occur annually, with a significant number of deaths if untreated. The disease is closely associated with poverty, malnutrition, and environmental changes that increase exposure to sandflies. | |||
== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
The ''Leishmania'' parasites invade the host's [[reticuloendothelial system]], primarily affecting the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. The parasites multiply within macrophages, leading to the characteristic symptoms of the disease. The immune response to the infection can cause further damage to the host tissues. | |||
==Clinical Presentation== | |||
Patients with visceral leishmaniasis typically present with prolonged fever, weight loss, and splenomegaly. Hepatomegaly and lymphadenopathy may also be observed. Anemia and leukopenia are common laboratory findings. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal due to complications such as secondary infections and severe anemia. | |||
== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis is confirmed by identifying the parasites in tissue samples, such as bone marrow or spleen aspirates, using microscopy. Serological tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are also used to detect ''Leishmania'' DNA or antibodies. | |||
== | ==Treatment== | ||
The treatment of visceral leishmaniasis involves the use of antileishmanial drugs. Pentavalent antimonials, such as sodium stibogluconate, have been the mainstay of treatment. Liposomal amphotericin B is also effective and is often used in cases of drug resistance or intolerance. Miltefosine, an oral drug, is another option for treatment. | |||
== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventive measures focus on reducing exposure to sandflies. This includes the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and environmental management to reduce sandfly breeding sites. Public health education and improving socio-economic conditions are also crucial in controlling the spread of the disease. | |||
== | ==History== | ||
The disease was first described in the 19th century, and significant contributions to its understanding were made by scientists such as Sir [[Upendra Nath Brahmachari]], who developed a treatment for kala-azar. | |||
[[File:Scientist Sir Upendra Nath Brahmachari.png|thumb|Sir Upendra Nath Brahmachari, who developed a treatment for kala-azar]] | |||
[[ | ==Also see== | ||
* [[Leishmaniasis]] | |||
* [[Cutaneous leishmaniasis]] | |||
* [[Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis]] | |||
* [[Sandfly]] | |||
== | ==References== | ||
* World Health Organization. "Leishmaniasis." WHO, 2023. | |||
* | * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Parasites - Leishmaniasis." CDC, 2023. | ||
{{Infectious diseases}} | |||
{{Neglected tropical diseases}} | |||
[[Category:Parasitic diseases]] | [[Category:Parasitic diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Neglected tropical diseases]] | |||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
Revision as of 02:43, 11 December 2024
| Visceral leishmaniasis | |
|---|---|
| Amastigotes of Leishmania in a chorionic villus | |
| ICD-10 | |
| ICD-9 | |
| DiseasesDB | |
| MedlinePlus | |
| eMedicine | |
| MeSH ID | |
Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, is a severe form of leishmaniasis caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. It is transmitted by the bite of infected sandflies. The disease is characterized by irregular bouts of fever, substantial weight loss, swelling of the spleen and liver, and anemia.
Epidemiology
Visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in parts of the Indian subcontinent, East Africa, and Brazil. It is estimated that 50,000 to 90,000 new cases occur annually, with a significant number of deaths if untreated. The disease is closely associated with poverty, malnutrition, and environmental changes that increase exposure to sandflies.
Pathophysiology
The Leishmania parasites invade the host's reticuloendothelial system, primarily affecting the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. The parasites multiply within macrophages, leading to the characteristic symptoms of the disease. The immune response to the infection can cause further damage to the host tissues.
Clinical Presentation
Patients with visceral leishmaniasis typically present with prolonged fever, weight loss, and splenomegaly. Hepatomegaly and lymphadenopathy may also be observed. Anemia and leukopenia are common laboratory findings. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal due to complications such as secondary infections and severe anemia.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis is confirmed by identifying the parasites in tissue samples, such as bone marrow or spleen aspirates, using microscopy. Serological tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are also used to detect Leishmania DNA or antibodies.
Treatment
The treatment of visceral leishmaniasis involves the use of antileishmanial drugs. Pentavalent antimonials, such as sodium stibogluconate, have been the mainstay of treatment. Liposomal amphotericin B is also effective and is often used in cases of drug resistance or intolerance. Miltefosine, an oral drug, is another option for treatment.
Prevention
Preventive measures focus on reducing exposure to sandflies. This includes the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and environmental management to reduce sandfly breeding sites. Public health education and improving socio-economic conditions are also crucial in controlling the spread of the disease.
History
The disease was first described in the 19th century, and significant contributions to its understanding were made by scientists such as Sir Upendra Nath Brahmachari, who developed a treatment for kala-azar.
Also see
References
- World Health Organization. "Leishmaniasis." WHO, 2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Parasites - Leishmaniasis." CDC, 2023.
| Infectious diseases | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This infectious diseases related article is a stub.
|
| Neglected Tropical Diseases | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This Neglected Tropical Diseases related article is a stub.
|
