RECENT ADVANCES IN POST-KALA-AZAR DERMAL LEISHMANIASIS

摘要

This article highlights the recent developments in Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis related to clinical evaluation, parasite biology, host responses and treatment. Reliable diagnosis is facilitated with the availability of nucleic acid based parasite detection assays. The altered expression of parasite specific surface proteins in PKDL isolates along with host factors may be accountable for disease pathogenesis. Both activating and suppressive cytokines are demonstrated in the PKDL lesions. PKDL may contribute to the increasing antimony resistance in endemic area in India via anthroponotic transmission of resistant parasites. Alternative drugs have been explored for PKDL treatment with varying success.