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Protective and curative effects of rifampicin in Acanthamoeba meningitis of the mouse
1Department of Biological and Medical Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
BALB/c mice inoculated nasally with Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, resulting in amebic encephalitis and death 3-7 days, were treated with rifampicin prophylactically (daily for 2 days with 75 and 100 mg/kg) and after infection (daily for 5 days with doses of 10-100 mg/kg). Prophylactic treatment resulted in full protection against infection, as assessed by absence of symptoms of central nervous system malfunction and negative brain culture 10 days after inoculation. Curative treatment was effective at the same doses; however, at doses of 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg, only two of six animals were free of symptoms and infection.
Insights
Rifampicin fully protected mice against Acanthamoeba culbertsoni infection when given prophylactically. Curative treatment showed effectiveness, though lower doses were less successful in clearing amebic encephalitis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acanthamoeba culbertsoni causes amebic encephalitis in mice, leading to mortality within 3-7 days.
- Amebic encephalitis poses a significant threat, necessitating effective therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of rifampicin in preventing and treating Acanthamoeba culbertsoni-induced amebic encephalitis in a mouse model.
- To determine optimal prophylactic and curative dosages of rifampicin.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were inoculated nasally with Acanthamoeba culbertsoni.
- Rifampicin was administered prophylactically (75-100 mg/kg for 2 days) and curatively (10-100 mg/kg for 5 days).
- Efficacy was assessed by monitoring for central nervous system symptoms and performing brain cultures.
Main Results:
- Prophylactic rifampicin at 75 and 100 mg/kg provided complete protection, indicated by no CNS symptoms and negative brain cultures.
- Curative treatment with rifampicin demonstrated effectiveness.
- Lower curative doses (10, 25, 50 mg/kg) resulted in only partial clearance, with 2 out of 6 animals remaining symptomatic and infected.
Conclusions:
- Rifampicin exhibits strong prophylactic potential against Acanthamoeba culbertsoni-induced amebic encephalitis.
- Curative efficacy of rifampicin is dose-dependent, with higher doses being more effective in resolving infection and symptoms.