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Testing intra-hemocelic injection of antimicrobials against Encephalitozoon sp. (Microsporidia) in an insect host
Shajahan Johny1, Amanda S Nimmo, Mark A Fisher
1Department of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA.
Abstract:
Encephalitozoon spp. are the primary microsporidial pathogens of humans and domesticated animals. In this experiment, we test the efficacy of four commercial antimicrobials against an Encephalitozoon sp. in an insect host by intra-hemocelic injection. All four antimicrobials, viz., thiabendazole, quinine, albendazole, and fumagillin, significantly reduced but did not eliminate microsporidia spore counts in the grasshopper host. Among these four drugs, thiabendazole was most effective in reducing the microsporidia spore level up to 90%, followed by quinine (70%), albendazole (62%), and fumagillin (59%). No control or quinine-treated animals died, whereas 45% of albendazole animals died. Despite the high mortality induced by albendazole, this drug significantly reduced spore counts, a result not seen in previous per os trials. Among the treatment groups, grasshoppers injected with thiabendazole lost a significant mass. Our study suggests that quinine and related alkaloids should be further examined for antimicrosporidial activity.
Insights
Four antimicrobials reduced microsporidia in grasshoppers, with thiabendazole most effective. Quinine showed promise, reducing spore counts without causing mortality, suggesting further research into alkaloids for treating microsporidial infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Microbiology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Encephalitozoon spp. are significant microsporidial pathogens affecting humans and animals.
- Effective treatments against microsporidiosis are crucial for public and animal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of four commercial antimicrobials against an Encephalitozoon sp. in an insect model.
- To compare the effectiveness and safety of thiabendazole, quinine, albendazole, and fumagillin.
Main Methods:
- Intra-hemocelic injection of Encephalitozoon sp. into grasshopper hosts.
- Treatment with thiabendazole, quinine, albendazole, and fumagillin.
- Quantification of microsporidia spore counts and assessment of host mortality and mass changes.
Main Results:
- All tested antimicrobials significantly reduced microsporidia spore counts but did not eliminate them.
- Thiabendazole demonstrated the highest efficacy (90% reduction), followed by quinine (70%), albendazole (62%), and fumagillin (59%).
- Quinine treatment resulted in no mortality, while albendazole caused 45% mortality despite significant spore reduction.
Conclusions:
- Thiabendazole and quinine are effective in reducing microsporidia loads in insect hosts.
- Quinine and related alkaloids warrant further investigation as potential antimicrosporidial agents.
- Albendazole's efficacy is confirmed, but its high mortality rate requires careful consideration.
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