Infections: cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosis: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Infections: cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosis

Sample item

A 25-year-old from Rajasthan has a slowly enlarging painless ulcer with raised indurated edge on the face for 2 months. Which investigation gives rapid confirmation?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Giemsa-stained slit-skin smear showing amastigotes

Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis in India is mainly Leishmania tropica from desert regions such as Rajasthan. Amastigotes (Leishman-Donovan bodies) are found in Giemsa-stained smears from the ulcer edge, and culture on NNN medium or PCR can support it. Treatment includes intralesional antimonials, cryotherapy or systemic agents.

Option by option

  • A. VDRL

    VDRL screens for syphilis and a chancre is painless but short-lived.

  • B. Mantoux test

    Mantoux testing does not identify leishmaniasis.

  • C. Blood culture

    Blood culture does not diagnose a localised skin lesion.

  • D. Giemsa-stained slit-skin smear showing amastigotes (correct)

    Correct. Amastigotes on a slit-skin smear confirm the diagnosis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Giemsa-stained slit-skin smear showing amastigotes. Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis in India is mainly Leishmania tropica from desert regions such as Rajasthan.

Why is "VDRL" not the answer?

VDRL screens for syphilis and a chancre is painless but short-lived.

Why is "Mantoux test" not the answer?

Mantoux testing does not identify leishmaniasis.

Why is "Blood culture" not the answer?

Blood culture does not diagnose a localised skin lesion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosis in Dermatology. Amastigotes (Leishman-Donovan bodies) are found in Giemsa-stained smears from the ulcer edge, and culture on NNN medium or PCR can support it. Treatment includes intralesional antimonials, cryotherapy or systemic agents.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infections: cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosis?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.