Cutaneous Leishmaniasis of Lip and Role of Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Case Report

Abstract

The diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis is mostly confirmed by the identification of parasitein a skin smear or biopsy. However, this method may not always be sensitive enough to detectthe disease when parasitic load is low. Molecular test such as polymerase chain reactions canbe useful in such circumstances. Here, we report a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosedby a polymerase chain reaction test when both smear and biopsy failed to confirm the diagnosis.A 17-years-old female from mountainous district of Nepal, presented with a crusted plaqueover the upper lip for a duration of 6 months. Both skin smear and biopsy from the lesionfailed to demonstrate Leishmania parasite but a polymerase chain reaction test was positivefor Leishmania donovani. This case emphasizes on the importance of molecular testing suchas polymerase chain reaction when commonly performed diagnostics test fails to supportconfirmation of clinical diagnosis.