Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka is caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovaniMON 37 (Montpellier classification), which is closely related to the causative agent of visceralleishmaniasis in India. Except for few recently reported cases of mucosal and visceral
leishmaniasis, the major clinical presentation has been cutaneous leishmaniasis. Apart from parasite and vector associated factors, host factors may play an important role in the disease pathogenesis. It is well known from animal studies, that development of a T helper 1 type response is associated with disease resistance/cure, while a T helper 2 response is associatedwith disease progression. Determination of the host immune response associated with this Leishmania donovani-induced cutaneous leishmaniasis would provide insight into disease pathogenesis and will aid the national policy planners in deciding on treatment modalitie. This study aims to determine the immunopathogenesis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka.

• To determine the intralesional expression of Th 1type cytokines IFN- γ, IL-2 and Th 2 type cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 in cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania donovani.
• To correlate cytokine expression pattern with lesion characteristics and sequelae

• University Grants Commission (Grant No. UGC/VC/DRIC/PG/2013/KLN/03)
• University of Kelaniya (Grant No. RP/03/04/06/01/2014)
• National Institute of Allergy And Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (Award Number R01AI099602)