Abstract

THE EFFICACY OF CHITOSAN NANOPARTICLE ALONE VERSUS CONJUGATED WITH Nigella sativa (EL BARAKA SEED OIL) AGAINST Cryptosporidium parvum IN INFECTED IMMUNOCOMPETENT AND IMMUNOSUPPRESSED MICE

Walaa A. Mohamed*, Eglal A. Koura, Ibrahim Rabee, Olfat A. Hammam and Hanan M. Ismail

ABSTRACT

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasites that affect the gastrointestinal epithelium and other mucosal surfaces of their hosts, which include humans and domestic and wild animals worldwide. Current diagnostic methods include microscopic examination of stool for Cryptosporidium species oocysts with acid-fast stains and modified Ziehl-Neelsen. Nitazoxanide has limited activity in immunocompromised individuals. The highest percentages of reduction in the number of C. parvum oocysts were in the groups receiving Baraka and chitosan nanoparticles. Histopathological examination of the intestine, liver and kidney appeared complete healing after treatment by Baraka and chitosan nanoparticles. Also immunological studies against C. parvum as IgG and IgM showed improvement of immune status of both treated groups after treatment by Baraka and chitosan nanoparticles. In this study the findings indicated less toxicity in using Baraka and chitosan nanoparticles compared to use alone.

Keywords: Cryptosporidiosis, immunosuppressed, nitazoxanide, Baraka, chitosan, Baraka and chitosan and immunocompetent.