The therapeutic efficacy of curcumin nanoemulsion versus Spiramycin in Toxoplasma gondii (ME49 strain) chronically infected mice

Abstract

Background: Previously, we showed that curcumin (CUR) nanoemulsion exhibited a promisingprophylactic effect on acute toxoplasmosis, and decreased parasite burden. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) of the peritoneal exudates showed deformed tachyzoites in both prophylactic and treated subgroups.Objective: The present study is designed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of CUR nanoemulsion comparedto that of Spiramycin on T. gondii type II, ME49 strain causing chronic toxoplasmosis in experimentallyinfected mice.Material and Methods: This case-control experimental study included 30 Swiss albino mice, divided intothree equal groups. All mice were infected with avirulent ME49 strain to induce chronic toxoplasmosis.The study included group I (infected non-treated), II (infected treated with CUR nanoemulsion), and III(infected and treated with Spiramycin). The assessment parameters included estimation of the mortalityrate, and parasite burden (cyst number and size) in livers and spleens impression smears, and in brainshomogenates.Results: The mortality rate was 40% in the infected non-treated group with no mortality in all treatedmice. There was a significant decrease of cyst number and size in livers, spleens, and brains of both treatedgroups as compared to the infected non-treated mice.Conclusion: It was concluded that CUR nanoemulsion had a promising therapeutic effect on chronictoxoplasmosis.