New Vaccine for Kala-Azar

School of Biochemical Engineering of IIT-BHU scientists in collaboration with the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), BHU, have tested a vaccine for Kala-Azar. Kala Azar is a major health challenge in India and is caused by Leishmania parasite.

The research carried out by scientists including Prof. Vikash Kumar Dubey of the School of Biochemical Engineering and Prof. Shyam Sundar of the Department of Medicine, IMS, investigated and tested a new recombinant vaccine against Leishmania parasite that halts the progression of the infection.

Leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar) – Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) refers to the spectrum of infectious disease produced by species of the Leishmania parasite. The parasites spread by the bite of infected sand flies.

Kala-Azar, also called visceral leishmaniasis, is a disease in which a parasite migrates to the internal organs such as the liver, spleen (hence 'visceral') and bone marrow.

If left untreated, it will almost always result in the death of the host. Signs and symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, anaemia, and substantial swelling of the liver and spleen.

Among people with Kala-Azar, there is variation in the symptoms, and some people can have unusual symptoms.

Hypoxia Makes You Prone to Kala azar or Chronic Black Fever
Leishmaniasis is caused by the parasite Leishmania donovani leads to chronic infection by using a physiological response and lower oxygen levels.

Prof. Dubey said that the prophylactic potential of this vaccine was evaluated in preclinical studies in mice model that showed a significant reduction in parasite load in liver and spleen organs of vaccinated infected mice.

He said, "Clearance of the parasite burden in vaccinated challenged mice is correlated with immune response expected in a vaccine candidate."

Indian Scientists Overcoming Drug Resistance in the Battle Against Kala Azar
A group of Indian scientists has taken a giant step to develop a potential therapy for kala azar by using tiny molecules present in the body.

It is a type of defence mechanism that happens in the body after vaccination and is helpful for prevention of disease progression. This research has been recently reported in the prestigious journal "Cellular Immunology".

He said this study provides insight towards the evaluation of vaccine molecules against Leishmania infection. In future, it might be utilised as a vaccine candidate against the pathogen.

Potential Vaccine Against Kala Azar
Scientists have developed a potent vaccine directed at the dreaded kala azar disease that claims dozens of lives in eastern India every year.

However, more study is needed to better understand its mode of action. The team plans to further evaluate its potential in other clinical trials.

Prof. Dubey said that there is no vaccine yet available in the market for humans against this disease and the treatment depends on drugs with limitations which is a serious concern towards the complete elimination programme of WHO.

Vaccination is the safest and one of the most effective ways to fight against any infectious diseases. A vaccine molecule trains our immune system to fight against a given pathogen.

It stimulates several immune cells in our body that produce antibodies, cytokines and other active molecules that collectively work and protect from infection and provides long term protection.

Source-IANS