Visceral Leishmaniasis: Immune Mechanisms and New Insights in Vaccine Development and Control

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), an emerging and sustainable fatal disease, claims significant proportion of lives predominantly in the marginalised areas of developing countries. The impact of existing interventions to control the disease is insufficient. Epidemics and resurgence of the disease can be correlated with expansion of the vector habitat, emergence of co-infections, poor socio-economic condition, mass migration due to natural calamities or civil war, and laxity in policymaking. Since vaccine is unavailable, early diagnosis and successful treatment are vital for VL management. Complete treatment of post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) patients and effective surveillance of asymptomatic individuals need implementation in VL control programme. In zoonotic VL, screening of animal reservoirs is of utmost important. Revolutionising research perspective is highly recommended to build upon our knowledge on parasite, its mode of action, and the immune status of the host during infection, to support the VL control programme. A multidisciplinary and comprehensive effort would be imperative among scientists, medical professionals, and policymakers in order to control and eliminate the disease.