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Abstract
A real-time PCR technique that allows for accurate and sensitive quantitation of tissue
parasite burden in animals infected with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi
was developed. The utility of this method was demonstrated by confirmation of higher
parasite load in mice with acute infections in comparison to chronically infected
mice, detection of tissue-restricted parasite persistence in different parasite:host
strain combinations, and the observation of increased tissue parasite burden with
higher infective doses. This method should be a useful tool for monitoring parasite
burden in hosts under various treatment regimens.