A marmoset model for some New World dermatotropic leishmaniases

Callithrix penicillata is a good model for dermatotropic strains of some New World Leishmania species (L. mexicana mexicana, L. m. amazonensis, and L. braziliensis guyanensis). Both amastigotes and promastigotes readily infect these primates, with a relative short period of incubation. The developed lesions parallel those found in man, and despite the self healing presented by some marmosets, cell and serum immunological responses are presented. Skin alterations are confined to the site of inoculum, and visceralization is very rarely found. A good response to standard antimonial treatment makes the model useful for preclinical experiments with promising compounds.