The new trend in the treatment of experimental cryptosporidiosis and the resulting intestinal dysplasia

Abstract

Aim: Cryptosporidiosis causes colon dysplasia. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of a novel combination between artesunate and nitazoxanide on intensity of infection and the resulting intestinal dysplasia. Materials & methods: Subjects were divided into five groups. Artesunate was used alone, then combined with nitazoxanide. Results: The highest efficacy in reducing oocyst shedding obtained from the combined therapy (68.5, 75.9, 99%) after 7, 14 and 21 days. The histopathology of infected colonic mucosa showed marked improvement and low-grade of dysplasia in the infected and treated group with the combined therapy. The immunohistochemistry of the same group revealed mild dysplastic changes in colonic epithelium without nuclear expression for cyclin D1. Conclusion: These results give hope for treatment of Cryptosporidium and improving intestinal dysplasia.