Photodynamic activity of Photogem in promastigotes and infected macrophages.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with Photogem in promastigotes of and , and in infected macrophages. The following parameters were analyzed: Photogem internalization, mitochondrial activity, viability, tubulin marking and morphological alterations in promastigotes and viability in infected macrophages. Photogem accumulated in the cytosol and adhered to the flagellum. Changes were observed in the mitochondrial activity in groups maintained in the dark, with no viability alteration. After PDT, viability decreased up to 80%, and morphology was affected. The results point out that PDT with Photogem can reduce parasite and macrophage viability.