Visceral leishmaniasis in paediatrics

Visceral leishmaniasis is a vector-borne systemic infection, which affects half a million people each year in many areas of the world. Typical disease manifests with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, and progressive deterioration of the host. Although molecular methods appear promising as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, definite diagnosis still relies on the demonstration of the parasite in tissue. Pentavalent antimonial compounds remain the mainstay of treatment worldwide, except in India. During the past decade, short courses of lipid formulations of amphotericin B were assessed and proved effective; however, their cost precludes their wide use in developing countries. Miltefosine, an oral active agent, was recently identified, and might fulfil our expectations for an effective, safe, easily administered and affordable antileishmanial treatment.