Microbiology Interview Question:

You have just examined a patient from Brazil who has a chronic ulcer of his ear that has been present for 6 months. You are concerned that he has Leishmaniasis and want to differentiate L. mexicana from L. braziliensis. Which of the following statements about these 2 organisms is false?

Submitted by: Administrator

* A. They are both transmitted by the sand fly
* B. Both appear as amastigotes in macrophages on biopsy
* C. Both can start as a cutaneous ulcer that eventually heals on its own
* D. Both heal with a residual scar
* E. Both will eventually cause lesions of the mucous membranes

Correct Answer: E
Submitted by: Administrator