Leishmania Species and Transmission Quiz

A type of parasite that affects human blood and tissues, causing leishmaniasis.

A disease caused by Leishmania species infection.

Group of parasites that have a single-celled body structure.

A subgroup of Protozoa; Leishmania belongs to this group.

Categories of parasites grouped by their structural characteristics and mode of infection.

A type of insect that transmits Leishmania parasites to humans through bites.

The intracellular stage of Leishmania, found within the host's cells, such as macrophages.

The extracellular stage of Leishmania, found in the gut of the sand fly. This is the infectious form transmitted to humans.

Infected sand flies ingest amastigotes from humans, which develop into promastigotes in the fly's gut. The fly then transmits these infectious promastigotes to new hosts via bites.

A skin infection caused by Leishmania parasites, characterized by ulcers and lesions.

A severe form of leishmaniasis that affects internal organs, particularly the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

A small, hard lump that forms at the site of a Leishmania infection, often developing into an ulcer.

A species of Leishmania that causes dry ulcers, typical of the Oriental Sore.

A species of Leishmania that causes wet ulcers, a common type of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

A species of Leishmania that causes nodular lesions that do not heal or ulcerate, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

A severe form of Leishmaniasis caused by some Leishmania species, affecting mucous membranes, such as the nose and mouth.

Analyzing tissue samples for the presence of Leishmania parasites, typically by microscopic examination, culture, or molecular techniques.

Microscopic identification of the amastigote stage of Leishmania in tissue samples taken from the edge of the ulcer.

Growing Leishmania parasites from a sample in a suitable laboratory medium to obtain the promastigote stage.

A diagnostic method that detects Leishmania DNA in patient blood or tissue using PCR (polymerase chain reaction).

PCR for Leishmaniasis is fast (results in days), sensitive, and identifies the specific Leishmania species.

PCR for Leishmaniasis is expensive and requires specialized lab equipment.

A drug used to treat leishmaniasis, given intramuscularly.

A newer drug for leishmaniasis, given intravenously (into the vein).

Involves not only drug treatment (sodium stibogluconate, liposomal amphotericin B), but also ulcer care through methods such as injection, paste, freezing or even surgery.

The Ministry of Health plays a role in leishmaniasis control by treating patients, controlling sand fly populations, and promoting vaccination in endemic areas.

Individuals can protect themselves from leishmaniasis using protective measures, such as insect repellents, mosquito nets, and wire screens.

A protein produced by immune cells (mononuclear cells) during the recovery phase of Leishmaniasis. Its presence indicates the body is fighting the infection and is associated with inflammation in the skin.

The point in the disease where the patient can transmit the Leishmaniasis parasite to another person. This is connected to the presence of interferon gamma and skin inflammation.

A standard blood test that measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It's often the first step in diagnosing Visceral Leishmaniasis.

A medical procedure where a sample of bone marrow is taken for examination. This is used to find the Leishmania parasite itself (amastigotes) to confirm Visceral Leishmaniasis.

A lab technique where blood or tissue samples are grown on special media to identify Leishmania parasites. This method allows for seeing the promastigotes stage of the parasite.

A laboratory technique for detecting Leishmania parasites in blood. It separates the blood into plasma, a dense layer of red blood cells, and a 'buffy coat' containing white blood cells and parasites.

Blood tests that look for antibodies (proteins that fight infection) specifically against Leishmania parasites. They help to detect past or current infection.

Specialized lab methods used to study the DNA or RNA of the Leishmania parasite. They help to identify the specific type of parasite present.

A disease caused by Leishmania parasites, which are protozoa that infect macrophages, the body's immune cells.

The Leishmania species responsible for visceral leishmaniasis varies depending on the geographical location. In the Americas, Leishmania chagasi is the main cause, while in the Old World (Europe, Asia, and Africa), Leishmania donovani predominantly causes the disease.

Leishmaniasis is transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. These flies pick up the parasites during a blood meal from an infected animal or human and then transmit them to another host.

Leishmania parasites have two main stages in their lifecycle: promastigotes and amastigotes. Promastigotes are found in the sandfly and are mobile, while amastigotes are the non-mobile stage found inside the host's macrophages.

Hepatosplenomegaly, an enlargement of the liver and spleen, is a hallmark symptom of visceral leishmaniasis. This occurs because the parasites multiply within macrophages that accumulate in these organs.

Kala Azar, meaning 'black fever' in Hindi, refers to the darkening of the skin that can occur in patients with visceral leishmaniasis due to the accumulation of melanin. This symptom is not always present but is a characteristic feature of the disease.

Visceral leishmaniasis can be life-threatening if left untreated. The parasite can cause severe damage to vital organs, leading to organ failure and death. Additionally, the disease weakens the immune system, making the patient susceptible to other infections.

Dum-Dum fever, named after a town in Calcutta, India, is another name for Visceral Leishmaniasis, reflecting the cyclical, spiking fever pattern often seen in the disease due to the parasite's multiplication.

PKDL is a form of leishmaniasis that develops after treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. People with a weakened immune system or incomplete treatment are more likely to develop PKDL.

High levels of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the blood of visceral leishmaniasis patients are a predictor for developing PKDL. IL-10 suppresses the immune response, making it easier for the parasite to persist and cause PKDL later.

Amastigotes, the non-motile stage of Leishmania, are found mainly in the macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) which includes organs like the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

Leishmania infection can cause aplastic anemia, a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells. This is due to the parasite's impact on the bone marrow, where red blood cell production takes place.

The immune system's response to Leishmania infection involves producing high levels of antibodies, which are also known as immunoglobulins. This is a way to try to fight off the infection, but it can sometimes be ineffective against intracellular parasites like Leishmania.

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which helps to filter out waste and fight infection. When the body is infected with Leishmania, the lymph nodes become enlarged as they try to combat the parasite's spread.

In visceral leishmaniasis, there's a reduction in all blood cell types - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This is called pancytopenia. This happens because the parasite affects the bone marrow, where these cells are produced.