The pharmacological inhibition of sterol biosynthesis in Leishmania is counteracted by enhancement of LDL endocytosis

► The relationship between sterol inhibition and cholesterol uptake by Leishmania was evaluated. ► L. amazonensis under pharmacological ergosterol inhibition accumulates more cholesterol. ► The higher levels of cholesterol in treated L. amazonensis correlate to higher LDL endocytosis. ► L. amazonensis was up to 50% more susceptible to sterol inhibitors in the absence of exogenous cholesterol.