The KALA – AZAR , also
known as black fever or Dumdum fever, is a serious disease of man . The causative agent of KALA – AZAR is a pathogenic flagellate, called Leishmania donovani, which is
transmitted by the bite of small blood sucking sandflies called Phlebotomus argentipes. The incubation
period i.e. the period between the infection and appearance of symptoms may
vary from 3-6 months to even 2 years.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of KALA – AZAR includes swelling, high fever, enlargement of
spleen and liver. It is followed by general weakness, emaciation, anaemia due
to reduction in number of blood cells, and a peculiar darkening of skin. The advance
stage of KALA – AZAR may lead to dry ,
rough, dark or pigmented skin. Hair becomes brittle and falls out. If KALA –
AZAR is not properly treated, the
patient may die in 2 years.
Diagnosis
KALA - AZAR can be
diagnosed by microscopical examination of blood film or biopsy material taken
from spleen or bone marrow of patient, for the presence of Leishmania donovani by a pathologist.
Treatment
Two groups of drugs are used for the treatment of KALA –
AZAR . Pentavalent antimony compounds extensively used are sodium – antimony
tartrate and gluconate, ureastibamine, aminostiburea, neostibosan, etc. Pentamidine isethionate is also used.
PREVENTION
The prevention from KALA – AZAR can be done by:
- Eradication of the insect vector, i.e. sandfly which can be done by spray of insecticides and fumigation.
- The animals who act as reservoir hosts, should be killed.
- Mosquito nets or screens should be used for avoiding bite of sand fly hence causing KALA – AZAR .
