Definition: A chronic disease caused by LEISHMANIA DONOVANI and transmitted by the bite of several sandflies of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia. It is commonly characterized by fever, chills, vomiting, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, leukopenia, hypergammaglobulinemia, emaciation, and an earth-gray color of the skin. The disease is classified into three main types according to geographic distribution: Indian, Mediterranean (or infantile), and African.
do not confuse entry term BLACK FEVER with BLACKWATER FEVER or AMAZON BLACK FEVER see HEPATITIS D
Other names Kala-Azar; Black Fever; Visceral Leishmaniasis; Kala Azar; Fever, Black