title: An in vitro micromethod for drug sensitivity testing of Leishmania.
abstract: We describe an in vitro microtest which is quantitative, rapid, and readily applicable to parasites isolated from all major forms of human leishmaniasis. It is based on drug-mediated inhibition of promastigote catabolism of a battery of simple 14C-substrates to 14CO2. Each test requires less than 1 microCi. The test is conducted in a serum-free, chemically defined medium containing 120 micrograms protein/ml, minimizing the possible interference of drug: serum protein interaction. Prior adaptation is not necessary to cultivate "difficult-to-grow" species. Leishmania sensitivity to pentavalent antimonials is detectable at micrograms levels below concentrations achievable in patients' sera.
authors.affiliation: Department of Parasitology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Tally
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Tang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000965:Antimony / Q000494:pharmacology; D000967:Antimony Sodium Gluconate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003470:Culture Media; D005942:Gluconates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D007891:Leishmania / Q000187:drug effects*; D007896:Leishmaniasis / Q000469:parasitology*; D008536:Meglumine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000077485:Meglumine Antimoniate; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013012:Sorbitol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D003470:Culture Media; D005942:Gluconates; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D013012:Sorbitol; D008536:Meglumine; D000077485:Meglumine Antimoniate; D000965:Antimony; D000967:Antimony Sodium Gluconate