Minimally invasive microbiopsies as an improved sampling method for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Abstract

Current sampling methods to diagnose cutaneous leishmaniasis are invasive and painful. An alternative and minimally invasive microbiopsy device was evaluated in a diverse range of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions in Ethiopia. Using polymerase chain reaction-based diagnosis, the microbiopsy outperformed the routine skin slit sample by detecting more patients while pain scores were significantly lower.