Efficacy of ginkgolic acids against Cryptosporidium andersoni in cell culture

Parasitol Res. 2011 Nov;109(5):1475-9. doi: 10.1007/s00436-011-2433-1. Epub 2011 May 10.

Abstract

Cryptosporidium is a worldwide waterborne parasite and the treatment is a severe problem in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we used the in vitro culture system to evaluate the anti-Cryptosporidium activity of ginkgolic acids (GAs), nitazoxanide (NTZ), garlicin (GAR), and artemether (ART). The growth of Cryptosporidium andersoni in HCT-8 cells was determined by real-time PCR assay. When exposed to 5.00 μg/ml GAs or 10.00 μg/ml NTZ for 48 h, the number of C. andersoni in cultures was on a very low lever, but the number of parasites did not significantly decrease when exposed to GAR and ART. Our results indicate that GAs could be a potential drug for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allyl Compounds / pharmacology
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology*
  • Artemether
  • Artemisinins / pharmacology
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cryptosporidium / drug effects*
  • Disulfides / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Nitro Compounds
  • Parasitic Sensitivity Tests
  • Salicylates / pharmacology*
  • Thiazoles / pharmacology

Substances

  • Allyl Compounds
  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Artemisinins
  • Disulfides
  • Nitro Compounds
  • Salicylates
  • Thiazoles
  • ginkgolic acid
  • diallyl disulfide
  • Artemether
  • nitazoxanide