Harr Parasitology Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Test

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is primarily diagnosed through a skin biopsy. This method involves taking a small sample of the skin where the lesion is present and examining it microscopically. The presence of the Leishmania parasites can be confirmed through direct observation, culture of the organisms, or histopathological examination, which reveals the characteristic inflammatory response associated with the infection.

Blood cultures and urine tests are not effective for diagnosing cutaneous leishmaniasis, as this parasitic infection primarily affects the skin and not the blood or urinary system. Additionally, microscopy of fecal samples is irrelevant in this context, as leishmaniasis does not involve the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, a skin biopsy remains the most reliable and direct method for confirming this parasitic disease.