The production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, granzyme B, IL-5 and IL-10 by SLA-stimulated PBMCs, and of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 by SLA-stimulated whole blood, could be used to indicate exposure to leishmaniasis, especially for patients subjected to induced immunosuppression. The gene discussed is IL5; the disease is leishmaniasis.