The anti-influenza virus drug rimantadine has trypanocidal activity.
We report here that bloodstream forms of the African trypanosome, Trypanosoma brucei, are sensitive to the anti-influenza virus drug rimantadine (50% inhibitory concentration of 1.26 micrograms ml-1 at pH 7.4). The activity is pH dependent and is consistent with a mechanism involving inhibition of the ability to regulate internal pH. Rimantadine is also toxic to the trypanosomatid parasites Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania major.
Kelly
J M
JM
Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom. j.m.kelly@lshtm.ac.uk
Miles
M A
MA
Skinner
A C
AC
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D018320:Leishmania major / Q000187:drug effects; D012299:Rimantadine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014344:Trypanocidal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014346:Trypanosoma brucei brucei / Q000187:drug effects*; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000187:drug effects
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D014344:Trypanocidal Agents; D012299:Rimantadine