B55.0: Visceral leishmaniasis

You have leishmaniasis in your internal organs.

Leishmaniasis in the internal organs is also known as kala-azar. The disease occurs in Central and South America, India, the Middle East and East Africa, for example. The disease is caused by parasites that live on various mammals. Parasites are small creatures that, at least for periods of time, live off other creatures. In humans they can cause illnesses. The parasites can be transmitted when you are bitten by a sandfly.

Weeks, or even months, can go by before the illness breaks out. Leishmaniasis can cause repeated bouts of fever. The liver and spleen can become enlarged. The liver is an important organ on the top right of the abdomen. For example, it helps with blood clotting and detoxifying the body. Nutrients from food are processed in the liver. The spleen is on the top left side of the abdomen. Old blood cells are broken down in the spleen. Furthermore, defense cells are stored. If the defense cells are needed, they are then released from the spleen into the blood. The lymph nodes can also swell up. The lymph nodes are small bean-shaped objects. They are found throughout the body. Lymph nodes filter the tissue fluid. They are part of the defense system.

Typically, the bone marrow is also affected. The bone marrow is inside bone. The blood cells are formed in the bone marrow of some of the bones. There are 3 different types of blood cell: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells are important for carrying oxygen in the blood. White blood cells are part of the body’s immune system. They fight pathogens. Platelets are important for clotting blood. When your bone marrow is infected, you may have fewer blood cells. You may then bleed more easily or be more vulnerable to pathogens. Your skin may also become darker. Leishmaniasis in the internal organs can make you seriously ill.