Evaluation of the inhibitory effect of synthetic drugs on infection of Schistosoma mansoni in Biomphalaria glabrata

• Grant number: 14/12568-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2015
• End date: December 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Epidemiology
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda de Freitas Anibal
• Grantee: Juliana Virginio da Silva
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Is related to poor conditions of sanitation and water treatment. Statistics show that 207 million people have become infected with this parasite and 779 million people live in areas at risk. (STEINMANN et al., 2006 cited by Moraes et al., 2012, p. 222). At least 280,000 people die each year from schistosomiasis (VAN DER WERF et al, 2003;King et al, 2005, cited by Moraes et al 2012, p 222) which causes it to be the second parasitosis deadliest worldwide, second only to malaria. (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2002; KELA, 2002 apud KIROS et al, 2004, p. 1.). Because it is considered a disease of political, social and economic character.This disease has its biological cycle conditioned by the presence of a snail (Biomphalaria glabrata) that lives in lakes and rivers, and is responsible for the evolution of larval forms of the parasite cycle. One way to banish the disease would fight to the aforementioned shellfish, but this would bring an ecological imbalance. Thus, preventive measures are being taken to the disease in endemic areas. However, this is not always enough to achieve positive effects on public health. Because of this, it is necessary the use of drugs for the treatment of infected persons. Currently, the only drug Praziquantel is used and this can cause resistance. In this context, researches in this area are extremely important, not only to discover drugs that can treat patients, but also prevent the evolution of the biological cycle of the parasite. Therefore, this work has the objective to evaluate the inhibition of the development of Schistosoma mansoni by action of drugs of synthetic origin cycle.