In vitro effect of some Egyptian herbal extracts against Blastocystis hominis
Abstract:
Blastocystis hominis is an enteric parasite that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many animals. This emerging parasite has a worldwide distribution. It is often identified as the most common eukaryotic organism reported in human fecal samples that showed a dramatic increase in recent years. Metronidazole is the main therapy for blastocystosis. However, frequent reports of treatment failure suggesting isolates resistance to metronidazole. This study determined the growth pattern and in vitro susceptibility of B. hominis to nitazoxanide (NTZ), garlic, ginger, onion and turmeric. Fecal samples positive for Blastocystis were collected from patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and processed for culture. Cultured samples were subjected to examination by light microscopy. Herbs' extracts was freshly prepared. Drug susceptibility assays was done using 0.1 mg/ml of NTZ, garlic, ginger, onion and turmeric. Effects assessed on parasite culture after 24 hr. and 48 hr. Cultured fecal samples of B. hominis have identified several forms of the organism; vacuolar, granular, amoeboid and cyst forms within 24 hr. Nitazoxanide treatment significantly (P < 0.001) lowered the parasite number after 48 hr. (mean, 337.5 ± 17.67) /ml. The reduction rate after 48 hr. compared to PBS was 93.33%. Ginger treatment significantly (P < 0.002) lowered the number of the parasite after 48 hr. (mean, 335 ± 7.07)/ml. Moreover, garlic treatment also significantly (P < 0.002) lowered the number of the parasite after 48 hr. (mean, 382.5 ± 10.60)/ml. The reduction rates after 48 hr. in these treated samples compared to PBS were 92.98% and 92.44% respectively. However, onion, and turmeric treatments insignificantly lowered the number of the parasite after 48 hr. (P < 0.15 & < 0.22 respectively).
Insights
Blastocystis hominis, a common enteric parasite, shows resistance to metronidazole. Nitazoxanide, ginger, and garlic effectively reduced parasite counts in vitro, offering potential alternative treatments for blastocystosis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Blastocystis hominis is a prevalent enteric parasite globally, increasingly identified in human fecal samples.
- Metronidazole is the primary treatment for blastocystosis, but metronidazole resistance is a growing concern.
- The study addresses the need for alternative therapies due to treatment failures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro efficacy of nitazoxanide (NTZ) and natural compounds (garlic, ginger, onion, turmeric) against Blastocystis hominis.
- To determine the growth patterns of B. hominis in culture.
- To assess the susceptibility of B. hominis isolates to various treatments.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients positive for Blastocystis were cultured.
- Parasite morphology was examined using light microscopy.
- In vitro drug susceptibility assays were performed using NTZ, garlic, ginger, onion, and turmeric extracts at 0.1 mg/ml, with assessments at 24 and 48 hours.
Main Results:
- Nitazoxanide (NTZ) significantly reduced B. hominis counts by 93.33% after 48 hours (P < 0.001).
- Ginger and garlic extracts also demonstrated significant reductions in parasite numbers (92.98% and 92.44% respectively) after 48 hours (P < 0.002).
- Onion and turmeric showed no significant impact on parasite reduction.
Conclusions:
- Nitazoxanide, ginger, and garlic show significant in vitro efficacy against Blastocystis hominis.
- These agents represent promising alternatives for treating blastocystosis, especially in cases of metronidazole resistance.
- Further research into these natural compounds could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
