Effect of Nitazoxanide, Artesunate Loaded Polymeric Nano Fiber and Their Combination on Experimental Cryptosporidiosis

Abstract

Background Cryptosporidium parvum is a dangerous intestinal pathogen due to its devastating effect in immunocompromised individuals. Considering low efficacy, high toxicity in addition to the development of resistance for the drugs used, this study aimed to find a new alternative treatment having the advantage of lower doses and minimal toxicity. As complementary for our previous research, we used a novel combination between artesunate loaded polymeric nanofiber and nanozoxide that had not been tried yet. Methods Our experiment was performed on 60 immunocompromised mice that divided into six groups of 10 mice each: G I: infected control, G II: infected and treated with nanozoxide, G III: infected and treated with combination of artesunate, G IV: infected and treated with combination of nanozoxide and artesunate loaded nanofiber, G V: infected and treated with artesunate-loaded nanofiber, Group VI: uninfected control. Group IV had the highest oocyst reduction rate. Results The novel combination between artesunate loaded polymeric nanofiber and nanozoxide has a harmonizing effect in reducing oocyst shedding, increasing total antioxidants activity, decreasing oxidative stress in tissues in addition to the marked improvement of histopathological features. Conclusions This combination has a promising therapeutic effect against cryptosporidiosis particularly in immunocompromised individuals considering minor toxicity.

Keywords

• Cryptosporidium
• Oxidative stress
• Artesunate
• Polymeric nanofiber