Molecular detection of Leishmania donovani, Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis," and Wolbachia spp. in the dog population from tribal settlements of Western Ghats, Kerala, India.

Leishmaniasis and dirofilariasis are significant emerging zoonotic diseases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of single and co-infections involving Leishmania donovani, Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis", and Wolbachia spp.

Molecular diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis from blood samples using different genetic markers: A simple, sensitive and less invasive diagnostic approach.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), or kala-azar, is a deadly disease with high fatality rates if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Diagnosis is often delayed due to symptoms that mimic other conditions. Sample isolation and diagnostic procedures are labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis: a neglected clinical manifestation among the tribal population in Nilambur, Kerala, India.

Background: Different clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis (cutaneous and visceral) caused by Leishmania donovani have been reported from Kerala, India. Leishmania donovani causing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) (also called atypical CL [ACL]) is one of the major health concerns in the Western Ghats belt of the state.

Methods: Skin biopsies of 20 patients with suspected CL from Nilambur, Kerala, were processed for CL diagnosis during the period 2022-2023.

Nationwide cross-sectional surveillance of Leishmania donovani in phlebotomine sand flies and its impact on national kala-azar elimination in India.

India is accelerating efforts to eliminate kala-azar by aligning its National Kala-Azar Elimination Program with the World Health Organization's (WHO) roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) 2021-2030. Elimination relies on comprehensive vector surveillance and integrated vector management. This study aimed to conduct nationwide entomological surveillance to detect Leishmania donovani in phlebotomine sand flies.