Recent advances in visceral leishmaniasis in China

A review of major advances in investigations and laboratory work on visceral leishmaniasis in China is presented. In the eastern plain and northern mountainous regions, no new cases were detected, while sporadic appearance of the disease was noted in western mountain and desert regions. Considerable achievements were attained regarding epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis, experimental research on disease control in mountainous regions, sandfly control and elimination as well as immuno-diagnosis of the disease. Noticeable consequences were also obtained from the exploration on the problem of geographical strains and biochemical study of the parasite. The intervention measures in sporadically occurring visceral leishmaniasis in the western mountain and desert regions are discussed.