Leishmaniasis: An Emerging slow threat in Central Kerala-A Case Series

ABSTRACT:
Background- Leishmaniasis is among one of world's most neglected diseases affecting the poorest of 
the poor, mainly in developing countries. This sandfly-borne diseases is caused by more than 20 species 
of the protozoan genus Leishmania.
Materials & Methods- A Record based retrospective observational study- Case series was conducted 
at a tertiary care centre in Central Kerala. All records were collected from the Departments of Pathology 
and  Dermatology,  Govt  Medical  College,  Thrissur  and  from  District  Malaria  Office,  Thrissur  of 
patients who were diagnosed as leishmaniasis and the records were analyzed to verify the secondary 
data.16 cases were obtained from the records. 
Results- Majority (69%) were males with most cases in their 4th decade of life at the time of diagnosis. 
Even non endemic area such as Thiruvananthapuram district has reported Leishmaniasis. HIV co- 
infection was present in one patient with visceral leishmaniasis. 
Conclusion-As Kerala is an area not previously reported to be an endemic focus for Leishmaniasis, 
most often the disease is misdiagnosed. Kala-azar may also be under reported in Kerala. In order to seek 
attention regarding Leishmaniasis at the earliest point of contact with the health department, training of 
the health care providers regarding the disease is crucial. This can help to develop a high level of clinical 
suspicion in diagnosing this disease in its early stage itself.