Leishmania infantum
Leishmania infantum
Leishmania infantum (pronunciation: lee-sh-ma-nee-a in-fan-tum) is a species of parasites in the genus Leishmania, which is known to cause a disease called visceral leishmaniasis or kala-azar.
Etymology
The term "Leishmania" is named after the Scottish pathologist William Boog Leishman, who first discovered the parasite. The species name "infantum" is derived from the Latin word "infans" meaning "child", as this species is often associated with infections in children.
Description
Leishmania infantum is a unicellular, flagellated protozoan parasite. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite primarily infects the reticuloendothelial system, affecting organs such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
Symptoms
The symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum include fever, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen), and pancytopenia (reduction in the number of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Leishmania infantum infection can be made through various methods such as direct microscopic examination of tissue samples, culture techniques, serological tests, and molecular methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Treatment
Treatment for Leishmania infantum infection includes the use of antimonial drugs, amphotericin B, miltefosine, and paromomycin. However, the choice of treatment depends on the patient's overall health, the severity of the disease, and the geographical location.
Prevention
Prevention strategies for Leishmania infantum infection primarily involve vector control measures to reduce the population of sandflies. This includes the use of insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Leishmania infantum
- Wikipedia's article - Leishmania infantum
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