Risk factors for post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL): Challenges in understanding pathophysiology

A better understanding of the pathophysiology in PKDL is needed to describe factors that influence (excessive) upgrading or downgrading of the immune response. For control efforts, optimalization of VL treatment (multidrug approach, immune modifiers) may result a stronger immune response and therefore lower PKDL rates. Lastly, the approach to PKDL should be integrated in a joint skin disease approach to look for risk factors such as co-infection with a strategy for combined management and control.