In a review of 98 cases of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis a close relations was observed between the presence of the parasite and a plasmocytary infiltrate; a lymphocytary and/or a granulomatous infiltrate was observed when there were no parasites. Furthermore, there was no difference between the predominant histopathological types in relation with the evolution of the lesion. These aspects contribute to the interpretation of the skin biopsies in the areas endemic for leishmaniasis.