Unexpected activity of beta-cyclodextrin against experimental infection by Cryptosporidium parvum.
An unexpected activity of beta-cyclodextrin, an excipient used in pharmaceutical technology, was observed against Cryptosporidium parvum. The viability and infectivity of purified oocysts, exposed for 24 hr to beta-cyclodextrin (2.5% suspension), were evaluated by inclusion/exclusion of 2 fluorogenic vital dyes and a suckling murine model, respectively. Results of the viability assay showed a high proportion of nonviable oocysts (81.5%). The intensity of experimental infection, determined 7 days postinoculation by examination of intestinal homogenates, was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in the control litters. The preventive and curative efficacies of beta-cyclodextrin suspension were also evaluated in experimentally infected neonatal mice. Infection was prevented when the suspension was administered 2 hr before inoculated oocysts and on days 1 and 2 postinoculation.
Castro-Hermida
J A
JA
Laboratorio de Parasitología, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, España.
Freire-Santos
F
F
Oteiza-Löpez
A M
AM
Ares-Mazás
E
E
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003049:Coccidiostats / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003457:Cryptosporidiosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity; D003505:Cyclodextrins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007211:Indoles / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D021261:Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; D011419:Propidium / Q000378:metabolism; D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins
D003049:Coccidiostats; D003505:Cyclodextrins; D007211:Indoles; D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins; D011419:Propidium; C007293:DAPI; C031215:betadex