Kala-Azar

Kala-Azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is a serious, life-threatening parasitic infection that is spread by sand flies. It is caused by a species of the protozoan Leishmania, and is predominant in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sudan. Symptoms include anemia, fever, weight loss, jaundice, and an enlarged spleen, and the disease can be fatal if left untreated. Treatment options include antimony-based drugs, pentavalent antimonials, and drugs such as amphotericin B and miltefosine. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key to successful management, prevention of long-term sequelae, and reduction of mortality.