Amastigotes are the most commonly-seen form of Leishmania species in humans. These non-motile forms of the parasite are round-to-oval, measure 2-4 micrometers in diameter, and have a small nucleus and rod-shaped kinetoplast (see accompanying schematic). They reside within phagocytic cells such as macrophages, and are best appreciated on air-dried touch preparations.

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Added December 24, 2016 03:15 PM EST