Leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania protozoa transmitted by sandfly bites, presenting in visceral, cutaneous, or mucocutaneous forms. Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) causes fever, splenomegaly, and pancytopaenia. Amphotericin B and miltefosine are first-line treatments.
Lateral flow strip test detecting anti-rK39 antibodies (Leishmania donovani antigen) in blood — the most widely used point-of-care test for visceral leishmaniasis.
Aspiration of bone marrow for Giemsa-stained smear microscopy to identify Leishmania amastigotes within macrophages — the historical gold standard.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detecting IgG/IgM antibodies against parasite-specific antigens — used for diagnosis, monitoring, and surveillance.
PCR amplification of parasite DNA from peripheral blood — high sensitivity for blood-borne parasites with species-level and drug resistance identification.
Amphotericin B is an antifungal agent used to treat fungal infections of the skin, nails, mucous membranes, or systemic organs.
Miltefosine is an oral antiprotozoal agent and the first oral treatment for visceral leishmaniasis, also used for cutaneous and mucosal forms of the disease.
Describe your symptoms and get a structured AI clinical assessment — possible causes, urgency level, and recommended next steps.
Start Free AI Analysis →Content on this page is informed by evidence-based clinical sources including: