downtoearth-subscribe

Killer within the bug

Killer within the bug the scientists of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (niaid), Washington, usa , have developed a vaccine, which would protect people from Leishmaniasis transmitted by sand flies and known in India as kala azar. Different species of the parasite can bring about different symptoms, which range from nose, throat and mouth infections, painful skin lesions, or fatal infestations of the internal organs. The visceral Leishmania or kala azar is endemic in some areas of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The disease kills more than a thousand people each year in the country. Till date, an effective vaccine against the disease is not available.

During their 30 year long study on the disease, researcher Jos

Related Content