Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-azar is a vector-borne disease caused in the Indian subcontinent by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani and transmitted by the sandfly, Phlebotomus argentipes. The disease is characterized by prolonged fever, splenomegaly, anemia, progressive weight loss and sometimes darkening of the skin. In the endemic areas, children and young adults are its principal victims. The disease is fatal if not treated and sometimes even when treated if it is not done timely
