Kala Azar or Dum-Dum fever or Black fever
August 21 , 2017
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- It is a second largest parasitic killer in the world (after Malaria)
- Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is the most severe form of leishmaniasis.
- Leishmaniasis is caused by the protozoan Leishmania parasites.
- It is transmitted to humans (confined to human only, no animal reservoir) through infected female sandflies.
- It is characterized by irregular bouts of fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anaemia.
- The parasite migrates to the internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, and, if left untreated, may result in the death.
- A rapid diagnostic test, called rK39 can — with a pinprick of blood — indicate the presence of the parasite.
- Endemic in eastern States of India namely Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal
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