infections
Leishmaniasis
Diagnosis of Leishmaniasis
Microscopic examination and culture for leishmania and tests for their genetic material (DNA) in samples of infected tissue Blood tests for visceral leishmaniasis Doctors diagnose leishmaniasis by taking samples of the infected tissue in people who have skin sores and may have cutaneous leishmaniasis or by taking samples of blood, bone marrow, liver, or spleen in people who may have visceral leishmaniasis. Microscopic examination, culture, and tests to check for the genetic material (DNA) ofLeishmaniaare done to determine whether the samples containLeishmania. can sometimes help doctors diagnose visceral leishmaniasis. ( Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to help defend the body against attack, including that by parasites.) However, results of antibody tests may be negative, particularly in people with a 