Which insect acts as a vector of kala azar?
Kala azar is caused by bites from female phlebotomine sandflies – the vector (or transmitter) of the leishmania parasite. The sand flies feed on animals and humans for blood, which they need for developing their eggs.
Where is Leishmaniasis most commonly found?
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is most common in Central and South America, the Middle East, and North and East Africa. Another type is visceral leishmaniasis (also called kala-azar or dum-dum fever). Parasites infect the tissues of major organs, especially the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
How can kala azar be prevented?
How can I prevent leishmaniasis?
- Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Use insect repellent on any exposed skin and on the ends of your pants and sleeves.
- Spray indoor sleeping areas with insecticide.
- Sleep on the higher floors of a building.
- Avoid the outdoors between dusk and dawn.
Why it is called kala azar?
The term “kala-azar” comes from India where it is the Hindi for black fever. The disease is also known as Indian leishmaniasis, visceral leishmaniasis, leishmania infection, dumdum fever, black sickness, and black fever.
Is kala azar caused by virus?
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is the most severe form of leishmaniasis and, without proper diagnosis and treatment, is associated with high fatality. Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania….Visceral leishmaniasis.
| Visceral leishmaniasis kālā āzār | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Infectious disease |
What are the complications of kala azar?
They may include the following:
- Secondary bacterial infection, including pneumonia and tuberculosis.
- Septicemia.
- Disfigurement of nose, lips, and palate (eg, cancrum oris)
- Uncontrolled bleeding.
- Splenic rupture.
- Late stages: Edema, cachexia, and hyperpigmentation.
- Metastatic lesions in the nasopharynx with tissue destruction.
What is the incubation period for kala azar disease?
Kala-azar being a chronic disease, incubation period significantly varies. Generally it varies from 1-4 months but in reality the range is from 10 days to 2 years, however in India the range varies from 4 months to 1 year.
Is leishmaniasis a virus or bacteria?
What is leishmaniasis? Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that is found in parts of the tropics, subtropics, and southern Europe. Leishmaniasis is caused by infection with Leishmania parasites, which are spread by the bite of infected sand flies. There are several different forms of leishmaniasis in people.
What happens in kala azar?
Kala azar, also called visceral leishmaniasis, is a disease in which a parasite migrates to the internal organs such as the liver, spleen (hence “visceral”), and bone marrow. If left untreated, will almost always result in the death of the host.
Which organ is most severely affected in kala azar?
There are three main forms of the disease:
- Visceral leishmaniasis (also known as VL or kala-azar) affects internal organs such as the liver and spleen. VL is fatal if not treated.
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) causes skin lesions.
- Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis affects the mucous lining of the nose, mouth and throat.
How is kala azar diagnosed?
The most common serological tests used in the diagnosis of kala–azar are the DAT and the rk39 dipstick tests. These tests indicate the presence of antibodies against Leishmania, therefore confirming the parasite (antigen) is, or was, present in the body.
How is leishmaniasis treated in humans?
Liposomal amphotericin B is FDA-approved for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis and generally is the treatment of choice for U.S. patients.
What is rK 39 test?
Abstract. The rK39 rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) is now being widely used in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) using serum. We evaluated the presence of anti-rK-39 antibody in human saliva being noninvasive to replace the invasive procedures of diagnosis.
What is aldehyde test for kala azar?
In the Kala-azar endemic areas of India, Napier’s aldehyde test has been used for a long time. The test relies on the jellification caused by the binding of the serum globulins to the formaldehyde. The serum globulins increase in a variety of infections and thus this test is rather non-specific.
What class of drug is miltefosine?
Miltefosine is a broad spectrum antimicrobial, anti-leishmanial, phospholipid drug that was originally developed in the 1980s as an anti-cancer agent. It is currently the only recognized oral agent used to treat visceral, cutaneous, and mucosal forms of leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease.
What is Montenegro test?
The Montenegro skin test is a decisive method for the diagnosis of older leishmanial lesions and mucosal lesions, when the number of parasites is low and therefore, difficult to detect. The test is also useful for follow-up in vaccination programs (W Mayrink et al.