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Effect of fumagillin on in vitro multiplication of Encephalitozoon cuniculi
Abstract:
Encephalitozoon cuniculi (Levaditi, Nicolau & Schoen) is an obligate intracellular pathogenic parasite of rabbits, carnivores, laboratory rodents, and a variety of other mammals. Cell cultures of rabbit and canine cells were infected with rabbit and dog isolates of E. cuniculi. Four days later 5 microgram/ml of fumagillin was introduced into the culture medium. The multiplication of the parasite was inhibited within 48 h and this effect was maintained as long as the antibiotic remained in the medium. There was no effect when spores and proliferative forms of the parasite were incubated with fumagillin before being used for infecting host cells. No infection occurred, however, if the antibiotic was added to the culture medium before introduction of E. cuniculi. On electron-microscopic examination, the treated parasites were found to have severe cytoplasmic swelling, vesicular distortion of the plasma membrane, and marked reduction in cytoplasmic ribosomes. it was concluded that fumagillin blocks multipliation of E. cuniculi in vitro. The drug may be useful for the treatment or prevention of spontaneous encephalitozoonosis.
Insights
Fumagillin effectively inhibits Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) multiplication in cell cultures. This study suggests fumagillin may be a valuable treatment for E. cuniculi infections in mammals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular parasite affecting various mammals.
- Spontaneous encephalitozoonosis poses a significant health concern in animal populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of fumagillin against Encephalitozoon cuniculi in vitro.
- To investigate the mechanism of fumagillin's action on E. cuniculi.
Main Methods:
- Infection of rabbit and canine cell cultures with E. cuniculi isolates.
- Treatment with fumagillin (5 µg/ml) at different stages of infection.
- Electron microscopy to examine parasite morphology.
Main Results:
- Fumagillin inhibited parasite multiplication within 48 hours when added to the culture medium.
- Pre-incubation of parasites with fumagillin did not prevent infection.
- Fumagillin treatment caused cytoplasmic swelling and ribosomal reduction in parasites.
- No infection occurred when fumagillin was present before parasite introduction.
Conclusions:
- Fumagillin effectively blocks the multiplication of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in vitro.
- The drug's efficacy depends on its presence in the host cell environment during parasite proliferation.
- Fumagillin shows potential for treating or preventing spontaneous encephalitozoonosis.