ABSTRACT
Swiss albino mice infected with Leishmania parasite in their hind footpad were used to study the effect of experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis on the host iron metabolic parameters. Exogenous iron was given to the infected animals to study its influence on the course of this parasitic disease. Furthermore, in search for a safe and effective drug therapy, the two iron chelators [desferrioxamine [DFO] and pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone [PIH]] were tested as potential anti-leishmanial drugs. Infection with Leishmania parasite produced a significant decrease in serum iron, transferrin% saturation [Tf%], hemoglobin concentration [Hb] and hematocrit value [Ht] and a significant increase in serum ferritin and non-heme iron content of the liver and spleen. Iron treated infected animals showed exacerbation of cutaneous lesion with a significant increase in the hind footpad thickness and parasite score