Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Definitions

Visceral leishmaniasis


Overview

Visceral leishmaniasis is spread by the bite of sandflies. This type of leishmaniasis affects the internal organs, usually the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.

Symptoms

Some people have no symptoms. For others, symptoms may include fever, weight loss, and swelling of the spleen or liver.

Treatments

There are medications to kill the parasites. If left untreated, severe cases are typically fatal.