Host cell infection assay.

<p>Early stages of macrophage invasion are similar between <i>L</i>. <i>major</i> WT and R40, as determined by infection of RAW264.7 murine macrophages. Metacyclic parasites were incubated in the presence of macrophages at a MOI of 10 metacyclic parasites per macrophage and cells were collected at 6h, 12h, 24h, and 48h. Samples were stained and infection was determined through light microscopy. <b>(A)</b> The percentage of infected macrophages, and <b>(B)</b> the number of parasites/100 cells were recorded. Results are the average of triplicate experiments ± SD. Statistical differences determined with a Students <i>t</i> test relative to control values (* <i>p</i><0.05; ** <i>p</i><0.01)