ABSTRACT

In this study, the possible role of MIF as an immunologic marker in cutaneous leishmaniasis was evaluated. Twenty patients with acute cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and 20 healthy subjects were included in the study. MIF serum levels were measured using a sandwich ELISA method. The MIF levels were 3.50 ± 7.07 ng/ml in the control group and 69.05 ± 149.48 ng/ml in the CL group (p<0,001). The increase in MIF levels in CL patients may be due to the stimulation of a T cell-mediated cellular immune response by Leishmania.