New world leishmaniasis. Serologic aids to diagnosis

The increase in travel to endemic areas of South and Central America has led to an increase in the number of cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosed in the United States. Traditional methods of diagnosis for this disease include microscopical examination of infected tissue, culture of Leishmania on special media, and the leishmanin skin test. The present communication describes a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis and the difficulties that were encountered in diagnosis. New methods of serologic testing allow more prompt and accurate diagnosis.