Publication: Kala-azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis) from Khotang
Date
2006
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
Kala-azar is a chronic infection of reticuloendothelial system caused by flagellated protozoan, leishmania donovani
injected into human host by the bite of the sand fly (phlebotomous) previously infected by biting and sucking the
blood of a patient of leishmaniasis. It is characterized by irregular fever of long duration, large spleen and liver,
anaemia, leucopenia and progressive emaciation. This article reports a case of a 10year old girl from Khotang, a
nonendemic zone for Kala-azar, who presented with long history of abdominal distension for 11months, fever for
9months, cough for a week and weight loss. Clinical examination revealed pallor, enlarged liver and huge
splenomegaly. Investigations confirmed the diagnosis of kala-azar by the presence of L.D bodies in bone marrow
smear. The patient is being treated with i.v Amphotericin B in Infectious Disease Hospital, Teku.
Key words: Abdominal distension, fever, pallor, splenomegaly, L.D bodies.