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Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, is a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania donovani parasite. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected sandfly.
Visceral leishmaniasis affects the internal organs of the body, including the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Symptoms may include:
Visceral leishmaniasis is a potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated. Diagnosis is typically made through laboratory testing of blood, bone marrow, or other tissue samples.
Treatment for visceral leishmaniasis usually involves a course of medication, such as amphotericin B, miltefosine, or paromomycin. In some cases, a combination of medications may be used to help improve treatment outcomes. In addition to medication, supportive care may be needed to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Prevention of visceral leishmaniasis primarily involves controlling the population of sandflies in areas where the disease is endemic. This may involve the use of insecticides, the promotion of personal protective measures, and the control of animal reservoirs.