Development of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in its natural sandfly vector Lutzomyia longipalpis.

ABSTRACT: We analyzed the development of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in its natural sandfly vector Lutzomyia longipalpis. In addition, we compared sandfly infections initiated with axenic amastigotes or promastigotes. Our data showed no important difference between Lu. longipalpis infection rates resulting from either type of infections. Furthermore, development of infection was equivalent in both cases. All promastigote forms were found inside the sandfly and, after blood digestion, most of the population consisted of procyclics and nectomonads. A low percentage of metacyclic forms was coincident with a high number of nectomonads during late stages of infection, but which form gives rise to metacyclic forms in L. infantum chagasi is unknown. These results also show that the promastigot

SUBMITTER: Freitas VC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3403774 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature