Evaluation of different assay techniques to assess the interaction between Leishmania major and L. infantum promastigotes and U937 cells.

Adherence of Leishmania major and L. infantum promastigotes to U937 cells was determined by microscopic observation or by using radiolabelled parasites. With both methods L. infantum showed a greater adherence. Aspecific attachment to plastic was greater for L. major. The possible implications of these findings in connection with disease pathogenesis are briefly discussed.