TREATMENT OF VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS IN INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

Anup Singh*

ABSTRACT

The treatment of Visceral leishmaniasis has been challenging because of scarcity in treatment options. Long treatment regimens and associated adverse effects further makes its treatment arduous. The present treatment guidelines in Indian subcontinent includes a single dose of 10 mg/kg of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) or combination therapy consisting of multidrug therapy (L-AmB + miltefosine, L-AmB + paromomycin (PM), or miltefosine + PM). With the emergence of drug resistance there is need of development of new drugs with anti-leishmanial activity to achieve the goal of VL Elimination programme in Indian subcontinent.

Keywords: kala-azar, liposomal amphotericin B, miltefosine, paromomycin.