Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in the Indian sub-continent: challenges and strategies for elimination

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe and often fatal form of caused by Leishmania donovani in the Indian sub-continent. Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) late cutaneous manifestation VL, typically occurring after apparent cure but sometimes even without prior history VL India. PKDL serves as significant yet neglected reservoir infection plays crucial role transmission disease, posing serious threat to elimination program Therefore, eradication should be priority within current aimed at achieving goal less than 1 case per 10,000 population district or sub-district levels endemic areas. To accomplish this, comprehensive understanding pathogenesis essential, well developing strategies for disease management. This review provides an overview status diagnosis treatment options PKDL, highlighting our knowledge immune responses underlying development progression. Additionally, discusses impact on programs propose overcome this challenge achieve elimination. By addressing diagnostic therapeutic gaps, optimizing surveillance control measures, implementing effective intervention strategies, it possible mitigate burden facilitate successful