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Activity of tubercidin against immature Fasciola hepatica in mice
Abstract:
HaM/ICR females mice (20 to 25 g), infected with from 3 to 5 Fasciola hepatica metacercariae per os, were treated with a single dose of thepurine nucleoside analog tubercidin (7-deaza-adenosine; Tu) 7, 14, 21, and 28 days postexposure.Tu was administered either by direct intravenous injection or intraerythrocytically. Most of the flukes were killed and host survival rates were markedly increased if treatment was started within 3 weeks postexposure. The minimal single intravenous dose of Tu that was maximally effective was between 10 and 20 mg/kg.
Insights
The purine nucleoside analog tubercidin effectively treats Fasciola hepatica infections in mice when administered within three weeks of exposure. This treatment significantly increases host survival rates by killing most liver flukes.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Pharmacology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Fasciola hepatica infection poses a significant threat to livestock and human health.
- Current treatments for fascioliasis can have limitations in efficacy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of tubercidin (7-deaza-adenosine) against Fasciola hepatica in a murine model.
- To determine optimal treatment timing and dosage for tubercidin.
Main Methods:
- Female HaM/ICR mice were infected with Fasciola hepatica metacercariae.
- Tubercidin was administered intravenously or intraerythrocytically at various time points post-infection (7, 14, 21, 28 days).
- Efficacy was assessed by fluke burden and host survival rates.
Main Results:
- Treatment with tubercidin initiated within 3 weeks post-exposure markedly increased host survival.
- A single intravenous dose of 10-20 mg/kg of tubercidin was maximally effective in reducing fluke burden.
- Both intravenous and intraerythrocytic administration routes showed efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Tubercidin demonstrates significant anti-parasitic activity against Fasciola hepatica in mice.
- Early administration of tubercidin is crucial for maximizing therapeutic benefits and improving host survival.
- Tubercidin represents a promising therapeutic agent for managing fascioliasis.