Sachee Bhanu Piyasiri1, Rajika Dewasurendra1, Nilakshi Samaranayake1and Nadira Karunaweera1*
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Colombo, Kynsey Road, Colombo 0800
*Correspondence: nadira@parasit.cmb.ac.lk
Reference: Piyasiri SB, Dewasurendra R. Diagnostic Tools for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania donovani : A Narrative Review. 2023; 13(18), 2989. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13182989

Summary

This review paper delves into diagnostic tools for atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania donovani. It emphasizes the significance of accurate diagnosis for leishmaniasis management. The clinical identification of atypical CL, particularly in Sri Lanka, is discussed, noting variations in lesion appearance. The review covers traditional parasitological methods (microscopy, histopathology, in-vitro isolation), molecular techniques (PCR, PCR-RFLP), and novel approaches (LAMP, RPA, MLEE, MLMT). Immunological methods (ELISA, ICT) are explored, with a focus on recombinant antigens. The paper concludes by highlighting promising diagnostic avenues, including ultrasound, AI algorithms, and CRISPR/Cas systems, stressing the need for point-of-care tests in resource-poor settings.