What is the drug of choice for kala-azar?

What is the drug of choice for kala-azar?

Treatment of kala-azar has been by use of pentavalent antimonials, mainly sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam) and meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime). These medicines can only be administered through injection. They are toxic, with many side-effects and the treatment is given over a period of 30 days.

Who developed a cheap and simple drug for treating kala-azar?

The tablet, developed as a proof-of-concept at the Institute’s laboratory two years ago, is affordable and convenient to use, Chandra Shekhar Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT-H, told BusinessLine.

For what is metronidazole used?

Metronidazole capsules and tablets are used to treat infections of the reproductive system, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, skin, heart, bone, joint, lung, blood, nervous system, and other areas of the body. Metronidazole capsules and tablets are also used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Can ivermectin cure Chagas disease?

In conclusion, although ivermectin treatment may have a transient effect on peridomestic populations of Triatominae, it is not the treatment of choice for this situation.

What class of drug is miltefosine?

Miltefosine belongs to the class of alkylphosphocholine drugs, which are phosphocholine esters of aliphatic long-chain alcohols.

Why is it called dum dum fever?

The agent of the disease was also first isolated in India by Scottish doctor William Leishman (who observed the parasite in spleen smears of a soldier who died of the disease in Dumdum, Calcutta, India – hence the name dumdum fever) and Irish physician Charles Donovan, working independently of each other.

Is amoxicillin same as metronidazole?

Metronidazole is an alternative to amoxicillin for the treatment of some oral infections.

What is the treatment for kala-azar?

The treatment of kala-azar is about the killing of the parasite with effective drugs that are cheap and less toxic. Pentavalent antimonial is the first-line drug, and pentamidine and amphotericin B are the second-line drugs.

Is Kala azar the most dangerous disease?

Kala-Azar is the second biggest parasitic killer in the world. Along with Chagas disease and sleeping sickness, kala-azar is one of the most lethal and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Only malaria is more dangerous. Kala Azar is known to be endemic in 47 countries with approximately 200 million at risk.

What are the signs and symptoms of kala-azar?

Kala-azar can be diagnosed based on symptoms such as a case of fever lasting more than two weeks. And no response to anti-malarial or antibiotics. Lab findings may include anaemia and progressive leucopenia.

What is Kala-azar vector in India?

In India, there is only one sand fly vector of kala-azar- Phlebotomus argentipes which is the cause of kala-azar. Sandflies are tiny insects that are about ¼ the size of a mosquito. The length of a sand fly can range from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm.