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Visceral leishmaniasis in children: a review

E Palumbo1

  • 1Department of Pediatric, Hospital of Sondrio, Sondrio, Italy. emipalu2003@yahoo.it

Minerva Pediatrica
|October 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Visceral leishmaniasis affects millions globally, particularly children. This review highlights recent diagnostic and treatment advances for this challenging parasitic disease.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology
  • Tropical Medicine

Background:

  • Leishmaniasis is a global health concern with 13 million infected and 1.8 million new cases annually.
  • Children represent approximately 50% of new visceral leishmaniasis cases, posing unique diagnostic and treatment challenges.
  • Current diagnostic methods rely on tissue specimen analysis, but molecular techniques show promise for improved accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis.
  • To highlight recent progress in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis, addressing current therapeutic limitations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent research in leishmaniasis diagnosis and treatment.
  • Analysis of emerging diagnostic technologies, including molecular methods.
  • Evaluation of novel and established therapeutic agents for visceral leishmaniasis.

Main Results:

  • Molecular diagnostic techniques offer potential for improved sensitivity and specificity.
  • Existing treatments for visceral leishmaniasis are associated with toxicity and declining efficacy.
  • Liposomal amphotericin B is effective but costly; miltefosine shows promise as an orally available drug.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate and timely diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis, especially in children, remains critical.
  • Advances in treatment, including new drug development and formulations, are essential to overcome drug resistance and toxicity.
  • Continued research into diagnostics and therapeutics is vital to combat the global burden of visceral leishmaniasis.

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