A rapid chromatographic method for elimination of fungal contamination in in vitro cultures of Leishmania spp.

It was demonstrated that antimycotic agents are unsuitable for elimination of mycotic contamination in in vitro cultures of Leishmania spp. Ion-exchange chromatography was designed to separate the protozoan parasites from the contaminating yeast or fungal cells based on their surface net charges. The method was found to be efficient and rapid, and would also reduce bacterial contamination in cultures which have been exposed to both contaminants. Viability of the cells has been shown to be unaltered by this treatment as demonstrated by their ability to multiply rapidly in culture medium, as was seen in the controls.