Multiparametric approach to assess the disease severity and progression of cutaneous leishmaniasis infection

•High levels of IL-4 and cell-free mitochondrial DNA were detected in CL patients infected with L. tropica or L. major.•In both groups of patients, the level of CD4+ T-cells was higher while no significant difference in levels of CD8+ T-cells was observed.•Levels of CF mt-DNA and IL-4 in CL can be used to determine the disease progression.•These biomarkers could help in designing vaccine strategies and immunotherapies.