Leishmania tropica infection in hamsters and a review of the animal pathogenicity of this species.

Four strains of Leishmania tropica s. st. from Afghanistan were found to be constantly infective to the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), whether inoculated as culture promastigotes from early passages or as amastigotes from the cutaneous lesions. In total, 66 amastigote passages were carried out over 6 passage generations. The footpad lesions were chronic and nonulcerative infiltrates; their evolution is described up to 15 months. No self-healing was observed. Balb/c mice and gerbils were not susceptible. Earlier studies on L. tropica s. st. in laboratory animals, principally by Soviet and French workers, are critically reviewed. This new experimental model of chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis is of special interest for studies on the immunology and chemotherapy of the disease. Some advantages over the commonly used L. major model are discussed.