Association of Post Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis pathogenesis with prolonged sunlight (ultraviolet radiations) exposure in VL endemic population of Bihar.

ABSTRACT: Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a complication of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) and acts as a reservoir for Leishmania parasites. With climatic changes and ozone depletion increasing ultraviolet radiation (UVR), we investigated the connection between UVR and PKDL development. We have measured sun-light UVR intensities by UV light meters and satellite-based methods. Our data showed a concerning increase in the UV index (> 12.0-14.5) during summer and pre-monsoon season. A cohort of 283 PKDL patients revealed a strong correlation between prolonged sun-light (UVR) exposure (4-8 h/day) and worsening skin lesions, with many patients, particularly labourers and farm workers, reporting sunburn and/or irritation, skin sensitivity. Additionally, in vitro studies with human THP-1 cells s

SUBMITTER: Behera S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12271325 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature