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Updated: May 7, 2026

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Mass Isolation and In Vitro Cultivation of Intramolluscan Stages of the Human Blood Fluke Schistosoma Mansoni
Published on: January 14, 2018
Imatinib activity on Schistosoma mansoni
Naftale Katz1, Flávia Fernanda Bubulo Couto, Neusa Araújo
1Fiocruz, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Laboratório de Esquistossomose, Belo HorizonteMG, Brasil.
Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
|September 17, 2013
Summary
Imatinib demonstrated in vitro schistosomicidal activity against Schistosoma mansoni by inhibiting egg-laying and causing worm death. However, in vivo studies in mice showed no efficacy, highlighting the discrepancy between in vitro and in vivo results.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Parasitology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Imatinib is a protein kinase inhibitor used for chronic myeloid leukemia.
- Its potential antiparasitic activity against Schistosoma mansoni warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of imatinib against Schistosoma mansoni.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing of imatinib at 25 µM, 50 µM, and 100 µM against S. mansoni.
- In vivo testing in mice infected with S. mansoni using high oral doses of imatinib.
Main Results:
- In vitro: Imatinib inhibited egg-laying at 25 µM and caused worm death at higher doses (50 µM, 100 µM).
- In vivo: No schistosomicidal activity was observed in infected mice, even at high doses (1000 mg/kg/day).
Conclusions:
- Imatinib exhibits significant in vitro schistosomicidal activity.
- There is a notable lack of in vivo efficacy, indicating a disconnect between in vitro and in vivo findings for S. mansoni treatment.

