How is leishmaniasis diagnosed?

The disease is diagnosed by a series of laboratory tests. Various skin tests may be done:

• The Montenegro skin test – result based on skin reaction

• Biopsy of the spleen

• Lymph node biopsy

• Bone marrow biopsy

• Aldehyde test widely used in India for the diagnosis of Kala-azar

• Serological tests – ELISA and IFAT (Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test) are the commonly done diagnostic tests.

Other complementary tests are:

• Complete blood count (CBC)

• Haemoglobin check

• Serum albumin

• Serum protein