Figure 5. Feeding Persistence and Infectivity.

(A) Infectivity of fly-derived L. mexicana metacyclic promastigotes. Flies were infected with exponential phase or stationary phase L. mexicana-cultured amastigotes, infections allowed to mature (day 7), then metacyclic promastigotes were obtained, washed, and 10³ parasites injected into the right foot of each BALB/c mouse. Data from two groups of six mice are shown, infected with metacyclic promastigotes from exponential phase– (closed square) or stationary phase– (half-square) derived infections.

(B and C) Influence of feeding persistence on Leishmania infection in mice. Flies were infected with exponential (closed square or open square) or stationary phase (closed circle or open circle) L. mexicana-cultured amastigotes. Day 7–infected flies were exposed individually to the right paw of anaesthetized BALB/c mice and allowed to feed for 15 min with ([B], closed circle or closed square) or without ([C], open square or open circle) interruption.