Leishmania donovani (L. donovani)

Leishmania donovani is a species of intracellular protozoan parasite and the primary causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar (WHO, 2023). It is transmitted to humans via the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies and primarily affects the mononuclear phagocyte system, including the spleen, liver, and bone marrow (CDC, 2020). Once inside the host, the parasite transforms from the flagellated promastigote stage to the non-flagellated amastigote stage within macrophages, where it replicates and evades host immune responses (StatPearls, 2023). Clinical manifestations include irregular fever, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, and anemia, which can be fatal if untreated. Pharmacological treatment involves agents such as Amphotericin B, which disrupts the parasite's cell membrane, and Miltefosine, which affects lipid metabolism (PubMed, 2021). However, the management of L. donovani infections is increasingly challenged by the emergence of drug-resistant strains and the significant toxicity associated with traditional antimonial therapies.

Other names

Kala-azar parasiteVisceral leishmaniasis parasite

Drugs targeting Leishmania donovani act through several distinct pathways: Amphotericin B binds to ergosterol in the parasite cell membrane to create pores; Miltefosine interferes with phospholipid metabolism and cell signaling; Paromomycin inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit; and pentavalent antimonials disrupt bioenergetics by inhibiting glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation (PubMed, 2021; StatPearls, 2023).