The Anaemia of Kala Azar

Abstract

It has been confirmed that during the active phase of kala azar the erythrocyte life span is shortened. At this time patients' immunoconglutinin titres are raised, and their erythrocytes have been shown to be agglutinated by anticomplement and anti-non-y-globulin sera. Erythrocyte destruction in kala azar takes place largely in the spleen, as demonstrated by rising counts over the spleen relative to the praecordium and liver following labelling of the patients' erythrocytes with 51Cr. This point is supported by the absence of anaemia observed in a

Visceral Leishmaniasis in the Sudan: Clinical and Hematological Features

“…This was also suggested by others. 11,12 Musumeci et al 13 reported similar findings in Mediterranean kala-azar. The erythrocytes were positive for direct antiglobulin tests using antisera to IgG and complement C3.…”

The Mechanisms of Anaemia in Trypanosomosis: A Review

“…Under laboratory conditions, Karle (1974) exposed erythrocytes to temperatures above the normal body temperature and found out that the osmotic fragility and permeability of erythrocytes were greatly enhanced. It was also reported that increased body temperatures decreased erythrocyte plasticity and longevity in-vivo (Woodruff et al, 1972). Consequently, temperature elevation increased the rate of immunochemical reactions thereby initiating lipid peroxidation of erythrocytes (Igbokwe, 1994).…”

Hematological changes in Visceral Leishmaniasis

“…Various mechanisms of red cell destruction have been suggested by researchers including splenic sequestration, increased sensitivity to complement, changes in erythrocyte enzymes resulting in change in red cell membrane permeability, and presence of cold agglutinins. (14,15) Deficiencies of iron, folate and vitamin B12 may also have some additional role. (16) Studies have not shown any role of ineffective erythropoiesis in development of anemia in these patients.…”