With reduced prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Indian subcontinent (ISC), direct and field deployable diagnostic tests are needed to implement an effective diagnostic and surveillance algorithm for post-elimination VL control. In this regard, here we investigated the diagnostic efficacies of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay (Loopamp™ Detection Kit, Eiken Chemical CO., Ltd, Japan), a real-time quantitative PCR assay (qPCR) and the antigen ELISA (CLIN-TECH, UK) with different sampling techniques and evaluated their prospect to incorporate into post-elimination VL control strategies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPost Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a sequel of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL). The patients act as a reservoir for the causative parasite (i.e.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPost kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a skin manifestation which usually appears after visceral leishmaniasis. It is now proved that PKDL patients serve as a reservoir for anthropometric leishmanial transmission. Hence, to achieve the kala-azar elimination target set by the World Health Organization in the Indian Subcontinent, PKDL cases should be given priority.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlthough liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) is considered as the first-line treatment for New Kala-azar, there is not enough evidence on the dosage formulation in children and its effect on them. Being considered as the safest drug for treatment of Kala-azar, this case of AmBisome-induced avascular necrosis now gives rise to the question; whether it is actually safe enough and if a dosage modification is needed in case of children. This so far, to the best of our knowledge, is the first instance of such severe adverse event due to AmBisome administration.
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