Does Leishmania infantum Use Degenerating Midgut Cells of The Vector as A Nutrient Source?

Abstract

Ultrastructural evidence from Phlebotomuslangeroni experim-entally infected with Leishmania infantumwas found from day 4 postinfection to support the hypothesis that shed midgutcells act as an important nutrient source for the parasite. Thirteen areas ofdegenerating cells occurred in 12 sections of infected flies compared to nonein complementary controls 8 days post-infection. Parasites penetrateddegenerating cells in 7 of 30 flies sectioned (days 8-11 post-infection), andwere frequently found packed around shed cells in the gut lumen. Nomelanisation was observed, suggesting that although higher cell turnover wasprobably induced by parasites they did not destroy intact cells.