The present invention in general relates Hemoglobin receptor or its part as a novel vaccine candidate against Leishmaniasis. Specifically, the present invention envisages HbR DNA for eliciting immune response in a mammal against Leishmaniasis. Additional aspect of the present invention is related to a vaccine composition for inducing immune response against Leishmaniasis in mammals. In a preferred aspect, the present invention relates to use of HbR-polypeptide as marker for diagnosis of Leishmania in kala-azar patients.
