[Clinicopathological observations on 28 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Karamay area]

Clinicopathological observations on 28 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis with dermal lesions for 1-48 months were carried out. The cutaneous lesions detected in the patients might be categorized into four types. 1. Papular eruption or plaque. It was predominated by inflammatory reaction, including numerous leishmanias and macrophages and other inflammatory cells infiltrating in cutaneous tissue. 2. Soft node or abscess. It was composed of necrotic tissues, many degenerated and dead leishmanias as well as disintegrated inflammatory cells in the focal site. 3. Ulceration. It contained necrotic cutaneous tissue, a considerable number of dead leishmanias and granuloma formation. 4. Hard nodule. Tissue proliferation and healing were distinct, which was indicated by the increase of fibroblasts and fibrous tissue formation, round cells infiltration as well as the foreign body giant cell appearance; besides, a few leishmanias existed; occasionally, scar formation was visible in the superficial and deep layers of the derma. The paper presented for the first time the histopathological changes of cutaneous leishmaniasis in China. And, the description of cutaneous lesions will be of significance in the differential diagnosis between cutaneous leishmaniasis and post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis.