Breakthrough in the management of visceral leishmaniasis.

The leishmaniases are parasitic diseases with a wide range of clinical symptoms: cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) also known as Kala-azar: characterized by irregular bouts of fever, substantial weight loss, swelling of the spleen and liver, and anaemia (occasionally serious). In mucocutaneous forms of leishmaniasis, lesions can lead to partial or total destruction of the mucous membranes of the patient causing permanent scar, a stigma that can cause serious social prejudice.