Diagnóstico por laboratorio para leishmaniasis cutánea en un centro de salud de Ecuador

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is associated with multiple skin syndromes, the most common being localized cutaneous leishmaniasis. The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical and sociodemographic manifestations and laboratory results in patients diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis treated at a health center. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 67 patients, using medical records and laboratory records during the period from January 2022 to December 2023. The results showed a male predominance (67.1%), with the highest frequency in the 53-64 age group. Lesions mainly presented as moist ulcers (52%), single (64%), and located on the lower and upper extremities. In terms of pathological history, the majority had no comorbidities (74%). Direct microscopic examination revealed a positivity rate of 74.6%, confirming its usefulness as an initial diagnostic method. In conclusion, the study population presented a characteristic profile that differs in some aspects from other endemic regions, with direct examination being an accessible and effective tool for detecting the disease in primary care settings. It is recommended that this method be complemented with more sensitive techniques, such as PCR, to increase diagnostic accuracy and strengthen epidemiological surveillance.