Question 1

What is Visceral Leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, is a severe systemic parasitic infection that affects internal organs including the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. It is caused by Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum parasites transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. The Leishmania Antibody (IgG) blood test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects specific antibodies produced in response to systemic infection.

Question 2

What causes visceral leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Visceral leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. When an infected sandfly bites you, it injects the parasites into your bloodstream, where they travel to internal organs like the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. The parasites multiply inside white blood cells called macrophages, overwhelming your immune system and causing widespread organ damage if left untreated.

Question 3

What is the best test for visceral leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

The Leishmania Antibody (IgG) blood test is the most important test for visceral leishmaniasis because it detects specific IgG antibodies that your immune system produces in response to Leishmania parasites. High antibody levels indicate a systemic infection affecting your spleen, liver, and bone marrow, which is the hallmark of visceral leishmaniasis. This test is crucial for confirming diagnosis when you have symptoms like prolonged fever, weight loss, and enlarged organs, especially if you have traveled to or live in areas where sandflies are common.

Question 4

When should I get tested for visceral leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have persistent fever lasting more than two weeks, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or an enlarged spleen or liver, especially if you have traveled to endemic areas in East Africa, South Asia, the Mediterranean, or South America. Testing is particularly urgent if you notice darkening of your skin (which gives kala-azar its name, meaning black fever), weakness, or reduced appetite. Early detection is critical because visceral leishmaniasis is fatal if left untreated, and prompt diagnosis allows for effective treatment before serious organ damage occurs.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of visceral leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Visceral leishmaniasis symptoms typically include prolonged irregular fever that comes and goes, substantial weight loss, extreme fatigue and weakness, and swelling of the spleen and liver that you might notice as abdominal discomfort. You may also experience darkening of the skin (particularly on the face, hands, and abdomen), loss of appetite, anemia causing paleness, and increased susceptibility to other infections due to weakened immunity. Symptoms usually develop gradually over weeks to months after being bitten by an infected sandfly.

Question 6

Who is at risk for visceral leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include travelers or residents in endemic regions such as India, Bangladesh, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Brazil, and Mediterranean countries where infected sandflies are common. Young children under five years old, people with weakened immune systems (including those with HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications), malnourished individuals, and those living in poor sanitary conditions with limited access to healthcare face increased risk. Military personnel, aid workers, and researchers working in endemic areas are also at elevated risk of exposure to infected sandflies.

Question 7

What happens if visceral leishmaniasis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated visceral leishmaniasis is fatal in over 95% of cases, usually within two years of symptom onset. The parasites cause progressive damage to your spleen, liver, and bone marrow, leading to severe anemia, bleeding disorders, and life-threatening secondary infections due to immune system collapse. You may develop severe wasting, organ failure, and uncontrolled bleeding. The condition also increases your vulnerability to other serious infections like tuberculosis and pneumonia because your compromised immune system cannot fight off pathogens effectively.

Question 8

Can visceral leishmaniasis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, visceral leishmaniasis can be effectively diagnosed with blood tests, particularly the Leishmania Antibody (IgG) test that detects antibodies your immune system produces against the parasites. Blood tests may also reveal characteristic signs like decreased white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets due to bone marrow involvement. In some cases, additional diagnostic procedures like bone marrow or spleen aspiration may be performed to directly visualize the parasites, but antibody blood testing provides a reliable, less invasive initial screening method for confirming infection.

Question 9

How is visceral leishmaniasis treated?

Accepted Answer

Visceral leishmaniasis is treated with antiparasitic medications, with the specific drug depending on the geographic region and drug resistance patterns. Liposomal amphotericin B is considered the most effective and safest treatment, typically given as intravenous injections. Other treatment options include miltefosine (oral medication), paromomycin, and pentavalent antimonials, though these may have more side effects. Treatment usually requires hospitalization or close medical supervision, and most patients recover fully when treated promptly, though those with weakened immune systems may need longer treatment courses.

Question 10

How can I prevent visceral leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Prevention focuses on avoiding sandfly bites by using insect repellent containing DEET, permethrin-treated bed nets, and protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, especially during evening and nighttime hours when sandflies are most active. If you live in or travel to endemic areas, stay in well-screened or air-conditioned accommodations, and avoid outdoor activities during peak sandfly activity at dusk and dawn. There is currently no vaccine available, so bite prevention is your primary defense. Early diagnosis and treatment of infected individuals also helps reduce transmission within communities.

Question 11

What can I do at home for visceral leishmaniasis?

Accepted Answer

Visceral leishmaniasis requires professional medical treatment with prescription antiparasitic medications and cannot be treated at home with natural remedies alone. However, while undergoing treatment, you can support recovery by maintaining good nutrition with protein-rich foods to combat weight loss, staying well-hydrated, getting adequate rest, and taking prescribed medications exactly as directed. Avoid alcohol and substances that stress your liver, monitor your temperature regularly, and report any worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately. Never attempt to self-treat this serious condition, as it is life-threatening without proper medical intervention.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Visceral Leishmaniasis Blood Test

What is Visceral Leishmaniasis?

What causes visceral leishmaniasis?

What is the best test for visceral leishmaniasis?

When should I get tested for visceral leishmaniasis?

References

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