A review of kala-azar in China from 1949 to 1959

Abstract

This is the first account of China as an important area of kala-azar to appear in the west for nearly 50 years. The review is divided into four main sections. The epidemiological aspects which are described include the geographical distribution and endemicity (under the sub-headings natural conditions of the epidemic area, age distribution, sex differences, seasonal changes in incidence) and research on reservoirs (under the sub-headings survey of canine leishmaniasis and survey of other wild and domestic animals). The section on clinical aspects covers symptoms and signs, post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis, laboratory diagnosis (puncture, serum tests, complement fixation test, intradermal test) and treatment (medication and the effects of treatment). The possibility that two different types of kala-azar occur in China is discussed and the paper concludes with an appraisal of the present position.