Insights about the structure of farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) and the activity of bisphosphonates on the proliferation and ultrastructure of Leishmania and Giardia.

Background: The enzyme farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) is positioned in the intersection of different sterol biosynthesis pathways such as those producing isoprenoids, dolichols and ergosterol. FPPS is ubiquitous in eukaryotes and is inhibited by nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BP). N-BP activity and the mechanisms of cell death as well as damage to the ultrastructure due to N-BP has not yet been investigated in Leishmania infantum and Giardia.

New associated structures of the anterior flagella of Giardia duodenalis.

Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite that causes intestinal disorders. The trophozoites present four pairs of flagella. Here we further analyze the structural organization of the anterior flagella associated structures of G.

Using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) as a quantitative method to analyse the attachment of Giardia duodenalis to epithelial cells.

Giardia duodenalis is a human parasite that colonises the small intestine. In some studies, it may be necessary to estimate the parasite-host adhesion index. When working in vitro, it is very difficult to determine the relative number of parasites adhered to intestinal cells because parasites might be removed from enterocytes during specimen preparation.