Visceral leishmaniasis overview
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Visceral leishmaniasis Microchapters |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar and black fever, is the most severe form of leishmaniasis, a disease caused by parasites of the Leishmania genus. It is the second-largest parasitic killer in the world (after malaria), responsible for an estimated 60 000 who die from the disease each year out of half-million infections worldwide.[1] The parasite migrates to the visceral organs such as liver, spleen and bone marrow and if left untreated will almost always result in the death of the mammalian host. Signs and symptoms include fever, weight loss, anemia and substantial swelling of the liver and spleen. Of particular concern, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is the emerging problem of HIV/VL co-infection[2].
References
- ↑ A Small Charity Takes the Reins in Fighting a Neglected Disease, New York Times, July 31, 2006.