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Suramin and the time it takes to kill Onchocerca volvulus
1Department of Infectious and Parasitic Disease Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington.
Tropical Medicine and Parasitology : Official Organ of Deutsche Tropenmedizinische Gesellschaft and of Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Suramin treatment for onchocerciasis effectively eliminates microfilariae by sterilizing male worms and impacting female embryogenesis. This leads to a gradual decrease in skin microfilariae, reaching zero by 224 days.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Tropical Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cutaneous onchocerciasis is a parasitic disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus.
- Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is used to assess microfilarial load.
- Suramin is a key drug in treating onchocerciasis.
Observation:
- Shotty papules in the skin indicate dead microfilariae after DEC administration.
- Biopsy analysis of nodules reveals histopathological changes in worms over time.
- Microfilariae counts in the skin decrease gradually following suramin treatment.
Findings:
- Suramin treatment begins to reduce microfilariae in the skin around day 96, reaching zero by day 224.
- Histopathology shows suramin sterilizes male worms (days 77-105) and affects female embryogenesis (from day 56).
- Cessation of embryogenesis is estimated between days 56-77, with the last microfilariae emerging by day 160.
Implications:
- Suramin's efficacy in eliminating Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae is confirmed.
- Understanding the timeline of suramin's effects aids in treatment monitoring and management.
- This study provides crucial data on the pharmacodynamics of suramin in vivo.
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