Nitazoxanide kills replicating and nonreplicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis and evades resistance

J Med Chem. 2009 Oct 8;52(19):5789-92. doi: 10.1021/jm9010719.

Abstract

We report here that nitazoxanide (NTZ) and its active metabolite kill replicating and nonreplicating M. tuberculosis at low microg/mL levels. NTZ appears to evade resistance, as we were unable to recover resistant colonies, using up to 10(12) colony forming units. Therefore, NTZ is a novel lead compound that kills replicating and nonreplicating M. tuberculosis by a novel mechanism of action, which appears to bypass the development of resistance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiparasitic Agents
  • Antitubercular Agents / pharmacology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Resistance
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / drug effects*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / growth & development
  • Nitro Compounds
  • Thiazoles / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antiparasitic Agents
  • Antitubercular Agents
  • Nitro Compounds
  • Thiazoles
  • nitazoxanide