Q. Kala azar, recently seen in news, is a neglected tropical disease caused by which agent?
Answer:
Protozoan parasite
Notes: India has achieved the elimination of visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, meeting its target as per National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control data. Kala-azar is the second deadliest protozoan parasitic disease globally, endemic in 76 countries. It's transmitted by infected sandflies and primarily affects the reticuloendothelial system. Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a possible complication. Leishmaniasis is associated with poverty, malnutrition, weak immunity, and environmental changes like deforestation and urbanization.