How kala-azar is diagnosed?
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How kala-azar is diagnosed?
Serology tests: A variety of tests are available for diagnosis of Kala-azar. The most commonly used tests based on relative sensitivity; specificity and operational feasibility include Direct Agglutination Test (DAT), rk39 dipstick and ELISA.
Is leishmaniasis and kala-azar same?
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar is fatal if left untreated in over 95% of cases. It is characterized by irregular bouts of fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anaemia. Most cases occur in Brazil, East Africa and in India.
Is kala-azar and black fever same?
The black fever Kala-azar was first discovered in Bengal (encompassing today’s Bangladesh and parts of India, including, during the colonial era, Bihar), where it received its name, which means “black fever” in Hindi. It causes fever, weight loss, swelling of the spleen and liver, and anaemia.
Why kala-azar is called black fever?
Visceral disease, the most devastating and fatal form of leishmaniasis, is classically known as kala-azar or the Indian name for “black fever/disease,” which is a reference to the characteristic darkening of the skin that is seen in patients with this condition.
What is the main cause of kala-azar?
Kala azar is caused by bites from female phlebotomine sandflies—the vector (or transmitter) of the leishmania parasite. The sand flies feed on animals and humans for blood, which they need for developing their eggs.
What is rK 39 test?
The rK39 rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) is now being widely used in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) using serum. We evaluated the presence of anti-rK-39 antibody in human saliva being noninvasive to replace the invasive procedures of diagnosis.
What is nikala disease?
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar (Hindi: kālā āzār, “black sickness”) or “black fever”, is the most severe form of leishmaniasis and, without proper diagnosis and treatment, is associated with high fatality. Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania.
What is Dam Dam fever?
Visceral leishmaniasis It/is frequently called Kala-Azar or Dumdum fever. In this disease, the protozoa use the bloodstream to travel to the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.
Which insect acts as a vector of kala-azar?
Kala-azar. The leishmaniases are a group of diseases caused by protozoan parasites from more than 20 Leishmania species. These parasites are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected female phlebotomine sandfly, a tiny 2-3 mm long insect vector.
Which organ is most severely affected in kala-azar?
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. The parasite migrates to the internal organs such as the liver, spleen (hence “visceral”), and bone marrow, and, if left untreated, will almost always result in the death of the host.
What is ELISA test?
ELISA stands for enzyme-linked immunoassay. It is a commonly used laboratory test to detect antibodies in the blood. An antibody is a protein produced by the body’s immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens.
Why is it called dum dum fever?
The agent of the disease was also first isolated in India by Scottish doctor William Leishman (who observed the parasite in spleen smears of a soldier who died of the disease in Dumdum, Calcutta, India – hence the name dumdum fever) and Irish physician Charles Donovan, working independently of each other.
What is rK39 test?
What causes black fever?
It is transmitted through the bite of the sandfly (Phlebotomus argentipes) infected with the parasite Leishmania donovani. It causes emaciation, enlargement of the spleen and liver, anaemia and fever, and in chronic cases leads to darkening of the skin, hence the name.
Why splenomegaly occurs in kala-azar?
The splenomegaly is due to replication and accumulation of the parasite in the reticuloendothelial system [2]. Nonspecific laboratory results of VL include anemia, neutropenia, eosinopenia, thrombocytopenia and hypergammaglobulinemia.
