Post Kala Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis; A review of case series from Mumbai

Abstract

Post Kala Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) is an unusual dermatosis caused by a parasite Leishmania donovani (LD). It occurs between six months and five years of following an attack of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) / Kala Azar (KA). As a recurrence of VL, it keeps appearing on the skin of patient even after 20 years of partial treatment, inadequate treatment and in untreated cases. We here 4 cases of PKDL in Mumbai a non- endemic zone of the country. In first case, laboratory diagnosis was made by demonstration of LD bodies on histopathological examination. In second and third case, diagnosis was made by detecting anti-leishmanial antibodies. In the fourth case, diagnosis was made by both demonstrations of LD bodies as well as anti-leishmanial antibodies. The PKDL lesions are confusing with the other dermatological conditions and hence, it is necessary that clinicians and pathologists should collaborate in diagnosing them so appropriate timely therapy can be instituted.