In the life cycle of Leishmania donovani, the amastigote stage occurs in which host cell?

Question

Accepted Answer

D. Macrophages and reticuloendothelial cells. ## Amastigote Stage in Leishmania donovani Life Cycle

**Key Point:** Amastigotes (also called Leishman bodies) are the intracellular stage of L. donovani that multiply within macrophages and cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES), including histiocytes, monocytes, and dendritic cells.

### Life Cycle Stages and Locations

| Stage | Form | Location | Host |
|-------|------|----------|------|
| **Promastigote** | Flagellated | Midgut of sandfly vector | Phlebotomus argentipes |
| **Amastigote** | Non-flagellated | Macrophages, RES cells | Human (visceral organs) |
| **Multiplication** | Amastigote division | Liver, spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes | Human |
| **Ingestion** | Amastigotes in blood meal | Sandfly midgut | Phlebotomus |

**High-Yield:** The amastigote is 2–3 μm in size, oval or round, and contains a nucleus and kinetoplast. It is resistant to the acidic environment of the macrophage phagolysosome and survives intracellularly by evading immune mechanisms.

**Clinical Pearl:** Massive parasitization of macrophages in the reticuloendothelial system (liver, spleen, bone marrow) leads to hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia — hallmark features of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar).

**Mnemonic:** **MAC** — Macrophages Are the Compartment for amastigotes

Answer

A. Mast cells and fibroblasts

Answer

B. Neutrophils and eosinophils

Answer

C. Endothelial cells and keratinocytes

In the life cycle of Leishmania donovani, the amastigote stage occurs in which host cell?

Explanation

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