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Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in Nepal
1Department of Dermatology, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. vijaykga@hotmail.com
International Journal of Dermatology
|June 26, 2001
Summary
Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a skin condition following visceral leishmaniasis (VL). This study in Nepal describes PKDL
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a sequela of visceral leishmaniasis (VL).
- PKDL presents as a skin eruption after VL healing.
- This study focuses on PKDL in Nepal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the demographic, clinical, and histopathologic features of PKDL.
- To analyze the response to treatment in PKDL patients.
Main Methods:
- A study of 22 PKDL patients from April 1998 to March 2000.
- Inclusion of demographic, clinical, microbiologic, and histopathologic data.
- Assessment of treatment response.
Main Results:
- PKDL represented 0.13% of new dermatologic cases.
- Leishman-Donovan bodies (LDBs) were detected in slit skin smears (40.9%) and biopsy specimens (38.9%).
- All patients responded well to treatment with minimal side effects.
Conclusions:
- PKDL requires clinical and histopathologic awareness in endemic regions.
- Distinguishing PKDL from other dermatologic conditions like leprosy can be challenging.