Sensitivity of diagnostic methods
| Method | No. of cases | No. of cases with positive result | Sensitivity,* % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smear | 37 | 25 | 68 |
| Histopathology | 28 | 18 | 64 |
| Culture | 37 | 24 | 65 |
| PCR | 43 | 42† | 98 |
Note: PCR = polymerase chain reaction.
↵* We evaluated sensitivity using a composite reference standard, namely a lesion that was clinically and epidemiologically consistent with cutaneous leishmaniasis and at least 1 positive test result.
↵† One specimen was negative by PCR and positive by histopathology. In that case, fresh tissue was not available and PCR was performed from fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue, decreasing PCR sensitivity.