What is Kala-azar? 🦟🦠
Kala-azar, also known as Visceral Leishmaniasis, is a serious parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania donovani complex. It affects internal organs like the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
How is Kala-azar Transmitted?
- Spread through the bite of infected female sandflies (genus Phlebotomus)
- Sandflies pick up the parasite from infected animals or humans and transmit it to others
Symptoms
- Prolonged fever lasting weeks to months 🌡️
- Weight loss and fatigue
- Enlargement of the spleen and liver (splenomegaly and hepatomegaly) causing abdominal swelling
- Anemia (low red blood cell count) leading to paleness and weakness 🩸
- Darkening of the skin in some cases (hence the name “kala-azar” meaning “black fever”)
- Bleeding tendencies due to low platelet counts
Diagnosis
- Blood tests to detect parasites or antibodies
- Bone marrow or spleen biopsy to identify the parasite
- Clinical examination and patient history in endemic areas
Treatment
- Antileishmanial medications such as liposomal amphotericin B, miltefosine, or pentavalent antimonials
- Supportive care including nutrition and treatment of secondary infections
Prevention 🛡️
- Avoid sandfly bites by using insect repellents, bed nets, and protective clothing 🦟🛏️
- Control sandfly populations through insecticide spraying
- Early diagnosis and treatment to reduce disease spread