| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Cajas, Rayssa A.
;
Santos, Silvia S. B.
;
Espirito-Santo, Maria Cristina C.
;
Garedaghi, Yagoob
;
de Moraes, Josue
Total Authors: 5
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy; v. 68, n. 7, p. 10-pg., 2024-05-23. |
| Abstract | |
Schistosomiasis, a widespread parasitic disease caused by the blood fluke of the genus Schistosoma, affects over 230 million people, primarily in developing countries. Praziquantel, the sole drug currently approved for schistosomiasis treatment, demonstrates effectiveness against patent infections. A recent study highlighted the antiparasitic properties of amiodarone, an anti-arrhythmic drug, exhibiting higher efficacy than praziquantel against prepatent infections. This study assessed the efficacy of amiodarone and praziquantel, both individually and in combination, against Schistosoma mansoni through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro experiments demonstrated synergistic activity (fractional inhibitory concentration index <= 0.5) for combinations of amiodarone with praziquantel. In a murine model of schistosomiasis featuring prepatent infections, treatments involving amiodarone (200 or 400 mg/kg) followed by praziquantel (200 or 400 mg/kg) yielded a substantial reduction in worm burden (60%-70%). Given the low efficacy of praziquantel in prepatent infections, combinations of amiodarone with praziquantel may offer clinical utility in the treatment of schistosomiasis. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 16/22488-3 - Drug repositioning for neglected diseases: identification of novel anthelmintic agents |
| Grantee: | Josué de Moraes |
| Support Opportunities: | Regular Research Grants |
| FAPESP's process: | 20/01441-4 - Drug selection with anthelmintic properties, nanoencapsulation and preclinical evaluation in experimental model of schistosomiasis |
| Grantee: | Josué de Moraes |
| Support Opportunities: | Regular Research Grants |