Visceral leishmaniasis, widely known as kala-azar, is a serious and sometimes fatal parasitic disease brought on by Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum protozoa. When female sandflies, primarily those of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia, carrying the disease bite humans, it spreads to them. Due to its endemic nature, kala-azar is a serious public health hazard in South Asia, East Africa, the Mediterranean basin, and South America. The disease primarily impacts the visceral organs, such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow, and causes severe symptoms like fever, weight loss, anemia, and abdominal swelling. It can be lethal if untreated, especially in youngsters and those with compromised immune systems. The basic triad of pancytopenia (decrease in all blood cell types), hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen), and protracted fever frequently define Kala-azar. Clinical examination, serological testing, and the detection of the parasite in tissue samples taken from the lymph nodes, spleen, or bone marrow are frequently used in the diagnosis of kala-azar. To avoid complications and lower death rates, early detection and treatment are essential. Antimonials, amphotericin B, and miltefosine are the main medications used to treat kala-azar, but the choice of therapy may change depending on the patient's features and other aspects including drug resistance. Since decades, there have been ongoing efforts to manage and eradicate kala-azar. These efforts include interventions like insecticide spraying to prevent sandflies, improved diagnosis and treatment, and health education in endemic areas. Research on vaccinations is also being done to create efficient preventative measures. Despite these initiatives, kala-azar continues to be a major health concern in many regions of the world, emphasizing the need for more research and funding to battle this crippling condition.
