Visceral leishmaniasis: immunology and prospects for a vaccine

P M Kaye, T Aebischer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) is the most severe clinical form of a spectrum of neglected tropical diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. Caused mainly by L. donovani and L. infantum/chagasi, HVL accounts for more than 50 000 deaths every year. Drug therapy is available but costly, and resistance against several drug classes has evolved. Here, we review our current understanding of the immunology of HVL and approaches to and the status of vaccine development against this disease.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1462-70
Number of pages9
JournalClinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Volume17
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2011

Bibliographical note

© 2011 The Authors. Clinical Microbiology and Infection © 2011 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Cytokines
  • Dogs
  • Drug Discovery
  • Epitopes
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Leishmania
  • Leishmaniasis Vaccines
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral
  • Psychodidae
  • Vaccination

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