Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of propolis on Fasciola gigantica and Clostridium novyi type B infections in sheep

ABSTRACT

@#The use of natural products for disease control is a promising approach to solving the problem of drug resistance. The aim of the research reported here was to evaluate the fasciolicidal and anti-Clostridium novyi type B activities of propolis administered orally to sheep infected with Fasciola gigantica and C. novyi type B. Sheep infected with both pathogens were divided into two groups an infected treated group and an infected non-treated group. The treatment was oral administration of 50 mg propolis extract/kg daily for 15 days. The body weight of the sheep, fecal egg counts of F. gigantica, serum levels of F. gigantica IgG, concentrations of cytokines (IL-2, IL-10, and IL-17), and bacterial counts of C. novyi were evaluated. Following treatment, the sheep had increased body weight and a significant decrease in the egg count, which was reduced by 54.54% at 15 days post treatment. The level of anti- Fasciola IgG increased, whereas levels of IL-2, IL-10, and IL-17 decreased in propolistreated sheep. Treatment of sheep with propolis produced a significant reduction in fecal count of C. novyi, from 8 × 109 to 3 × 103 colony units per gram at 15 days post treatment. This research highlights the therapeutic potential of Egyptian propolis extract as a treatment against F. gigantica and C. novyi type B infections, and investigated its mode of action through its effect on some cellular and humoral responses in sheep with both infections.