Amastigotes

Amastigotes are a form of the protozoan parasite Leishmania which are found in the tissues of mammals. They cause diseases such as leishmaniasis, an infectious disease characterized by skin sores, fever, and an enlarged spleen. Amastigotes can cause disease in humans and animals, and are transmitted through the bite of an infected sandfly. Treatment involves antileishmanial drugs, and supporting the body's defences. This form of the parasite is important to understand, as it is the form which causes disease, and treatments and preventative measures can be developed in response.