Current and Novel Laboratory Diagnostic Methods and Identification of Causative Agents for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) annually imposes high socio-economic burdens on societies. Although among diagnostic methods, microscopic and or culture methods are considered as golden standard due to their high specificity, but their sensitivities are variable. Today, present microscopic method is considered as the most valid and available method for diagnosis of CL. However, different methods with higher sensitivities are introduced for diagnosis of this disease amongst which improved micro culture has high specificity (100%) and sensitivity (98.4%). Moreover, among other diagnostic methods, various molecular and biochemical methods are developed for detection and characterization (typing) of Leishmania spp. Study of isoenzyme profiles (zymodemes) is considered as golden standard for typing and microsatellite is suggested as an alternative method. Recently, novel methods such as LAMP isothermal technique with high specificity, NASBA and HRM are also evaluated. The current study provides a more detailed overview of novel and routine diagnostic methods for cutaneous leishmaniasis.