Introduction · Leishmania is a pathogenic protozoan endoparasite of the human being, causative organism of a dreadful disease called ‘Visceral leishmaniasis’ or ‘Kala-azar’ accompanied by swelling, fever, enlargement of liver and spleen, anaemia, and the skin color turning black. · The vector is the female sandfly, Phlebotomus argentipes. SYSTEMATIC POSITION Phylum: Protozoa Sub-phylum: Sarcomastigophora Super-class: Mastigophora Class: Zoomastigophorea Order: Kinetoplastida Genus: Leishmania Species: donovani Historical background The genus Leishmania was created by Ross (1903 AD). The species Leishmania donovani was reported simultaneously by Leishman from London (May 1903 AD) and Donovan from Madras (July 1903 AD); hence the name Leishmania donovani. Geographical distribution Leishmania donovani infects man in many places in India, China, Africa, Southern Europe, South...