Serological tests are not well established. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis Diagnosis preferably is made by culture of the organism but often, organisms are scant. On biopsy, a nonspecific granulomatous reaction often is seen. Giemsa stain may show the organisms. Leishmanin skin test will be positive after 2-3 months of infection.
Serologic tests are available in some centers.
Definitive diagnosis is made by observing the parasite on stained Geimsa smears or by observing the culture of bone marrow, splenic, hepatic, or lymph node aspirates. Cultures are grown on Schneider's drosophila medium or NNN medium. Culture grows from 1-3 weeks. Indirect fluorescent antibody test is now available but may cross react with other human leishmania and trypanosomes. An immuno-chromatographic strip test exists for rapid detection of antibodies to Leishmania antigen K39.