Immunochemotherapy for cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed mouse model

ABSTRACT

Immunochemotherapy as a dual regimen [Nitazoxanide NTZ and Interferon gamma INF-gamma] and a triple one [NTZ, INF- gamma and Paromomycin PRM], administered to immunosuppressed Cryptosporidium infected mice for 10 days [4[th]-13[th]] day post-infection] was evaluated during and after treatment by determination of parasite count in ileum, associated histopathological changes, oocyst count in Kinyoun's acid fast stained faecal smears, percent reduction in oocyst excretion and cure rate. Both regimens induced nearby efficacy [P>0.05] with significant reduction in parasite count in the ileum on 7[th] [P< 0.01] and 14[th] [P<0.001] P.I. days, partial regression of histopathological changes and reduction in oocyst count from the 2[nd] day post-treatment. Oocyst excretion reduction percent was reached zenith on 13[th] P.I. day in both dual [95.76%] and triple [94.86%] regimens [P>0.05]. Complete cure was not achieved. Three days post-treatment relapse occurred in both regimens [P<0.001] increase in oocyst count [P<0.01] increase in parasite count in ileum, more severe histopathological changes with rapid deterioration and then, death of all remaining treated mice