Evaluation of Candidate Antischistosomal Drugs in a Murine Model of Schistosomiasis Mansoni

Abstract Background Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease with a considerable morbidity. Despite being safe and efficacious, praziquantel (PZQ) does not prevent reinfection. In addition, the emergence of drug resistance is of a great concern. Objectives The current study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of amiodarone, spironolactone, and combinations of drugs on S. mansoni- infected mice compared to PZQ through parasitological and histopathological parameters. Methodology Mice were divided into 2 major groups: early treated group (3 weeks post-infection) and late treated group (6 weeks post-infection), Each mouse was examined for total worm burden, tissue egg load, oogram and histopathological granuloma formation. Results For the early-treated group, spironolactone had the best therapeutic outcome considering its effect on the total worm burden, ova count, oogram pattern and liver granuloma parameters. Whereas, for the late-treated group, amiodarone combined with PZQ added to the effect of PZQ alone on the total worm burden, ova count, oogram pattern and liver granuloma parameters. Conclusion It is concluded that spironolactone and amiodarone have considerable antischistosomal effects. Spironolactone was superior to PZQ and amiodarone in the early treatment phase targeting the immature stages. Meanwhile, amiodarone had a synergistic effect when combined with PZQ in the late treatment phase targeting the mature schistosomes. The current work recommends further investigations considering drug combinations strategy for the treatment of intestinal schistosomiasis with different doses and durations.