| Summary: | Leishmaniases are diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania that are phagocytic cells-obligated intracellular parasites. The aim of this study was to characterize the infection by Leishmania infantum on intradermally inoculated BALB/c mice, analyzing the evolution of parasitism and the immune responses developed. Parasite load was determined by real time PCR. Since day 7 post-infection, parasites were detected and visceral dissemination was observed 56 days post-infection. Lymphocytes from the animals of the infected group proliferated in response to antigenic stimulation, while peritoneal macrophages produced nitric oxide in the presence of Leishmania antigen. These results demonstrated that BALB/c mice intradermally inoculated are a good experimental model of visceral leishmaniasis.
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