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Scientists link new virus to kala-azar
October 29 , 2017
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- Scientists have recently identified an unknown virus Lepsey NLV1 that may be responsible for the persistence of kala-azar.
- However, scientists are still not clear how the parasites cause the infection and how they manage to hide within the body.
- Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is caused by the protozoan Leishmania parasites.
- It is transmitted to humans through infected 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.
- It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent in 119 districts in four countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal).
- India itself accounts for half the global burden of the disease.
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