A Parasite That “Plays Dead”

Brazilian researchers have discovered an ingenious ruse used by the parasites that can infect the human immune system and cause leishmaniasis, reports the Brazilian daily Folha de S. Paulo.

The parasites exploit a normal process in the body whereby cells that are no longer needed or that become harmful self-destruct (apoptosis) and  are swallowed up by scavenger cells called macrophages. The parasites mimic the molecular signals produced by cells in the early stages of apoptosis, thus tricking the scavengers into devouring them.


Once inside the scavenger cells, the parasites multiply rapidly and then infect other cells. Symptoms include sores, swelling ofthe spleen and liver, and in some cases death. According to Foiha de S. Paulo, researchers hope that the discovery of the parasite’s strategy will lead to new treatments for leishmaniasis.