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Pathogen Page

Leishmania donovani

I. General Information

1. NCBI Taxonomy ID:

2. Disease:

Visceral leishmaniasis

3. Introduction

Leishmania donovani is a species that is the causal agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Mediterranean and adjacent countries, the south central section of western Asia, eastern India, northern China, Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Sudan; also found in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela; in the Old World, it is transmitted by various species of Phlebotomus; New World vectors are species of Lutzomyia; dogs and other carnivores are known as reservoir hosts in some areas (WD: Leishmania donovani).

4. Microbial Pathogenesis

The intracellular amastigote form multiplies in macrophages and produces a reticuloendothelial hyperplasia grossly affecting the spleen and liver, with other lymphoid tissues being involved as well, resulting in severe hepatosplenomegaly, which usually is fatal if untreated (WD: Leishmania donovani).

5. Host Ranges and Animal Models

Vector sand flies are infected by biting infected humans or animals. Animal reservoirs vary with the Leishmania sp and location and include canines, rodents, and other animals. In the Indian subcontinent, humans are the reservoir for L. donovani (Merck Manual: Leishmaniasis).

6. Host Protective Immunity

A Strong Th1 response of cell mediated immunity is necessary for protection against L. donovani (Mizbani et al., 2009).

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