VHOSPITAL.CLINIC · Parasite Treatment Drug
Liposomal amphotericin B is the WHO-recommended first-line treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar), achieving cure rates >95% with low toxicity.
Amphotericin B binds ergosterol in the Leishmania cell membrane, forming pores that cause potassium leakage and osmotic lysis of the parasite. Liposomal formulation concentrates the drug in macrophages where parasites reside.
Liposomal AmB: 3 mg/kg/day on days 1–5, day 14, and day 21 (total 21 mg/kg). Single-dose 10 mg/kg regimens available in some settings. IV infusion over 30–60 minutes.
This is a general reference. Always follow your physician's prescription and local treatment guidelines.
Liposomal AmB is taken up preferentially by macrophages (where Leishmania lives), achieving higher drug concentrations at the site of infection with dramatically lower nephrotoxicity than conventional amphotericin B.
Fever typically resolves within 1–2 weeks. Splenomegaly regresses over weeks to months. Weight gain begins within 4–6 weeks. Full recovery of blood counts takes 2–3 months.
Liposomal AmB is expensive and not universally available. WHO and DNDi provide it at reduced cost for endemic countries. Where unavailable, miltefosine or antimonials are used.
Amphotericin B treats Leishmaniasis, which can cause these symptoms:
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