Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also called kala-azar) is a life-threatening parasitic disease, which mainly occurs on the Indian subcontinent, in East Africa and in South America. VL is especially severe and associated with high mortality in individuals infected with HIV. So far, clinical research has mainly tried to improve treatment response. In Ethiopia, our researchers are now testing a novel approach, namely, attempting to tackle the infection before it progresses. Based on clinical and laboratory information, they will develop clinical tools that can predict who is at high risk of developing VL disease. Ultimately, this could lead to a ‘screen and treat’ strategy, whereby HIV individuals living in VL-endemic regions would be regularly screened, and treated if at high VL risk.

‘Predicting visceral leishmaniasis’. Predicting visceral leishmaniasis in HIV infected patients: How to screen and who to treat?

Principal investigator

• Johan van Griensven (Department of Clinical Sciences)

Co-promoter

• Lut Lynen (Department of Clinical Sciences)

SOFI Budget

• € 333,333

Country

• Ethiopia

Key facts

• Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also called kala-azar) is a life-threatening parasitic disease, which mainly occurs on the Indian subcontinent, in East Africa and in South America.
• VL is especially severe and associated with high mortality in individuals infected with HIV.
• VL and HIV co-infection is a major problem in northwest Ethiopia where up to 40% of VL patients are infected with HIV.
• Once VL has developed in HIV patients, the efficacy of VL treatment is poor.