Praziquantel can develop resistance and cannot counteract schistosomiasis pathology. β-glucan
was used as an immunomodulator for innate and acquired immunity. This study evaluated the
effects of β-glucan either alone or with PZQ on chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection. Mice
were divided into five groups: uninfected control, infected untreated, PZQ treated, β-glucan
treated and combined treatment groups. Treatment started at the end of 8th week P.I. Parasitological,
histopathological, immunohistochemical (α-SMA) studies and biochemical assays (Myeloperoxidase
activity, NO, TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-13 & hydroxyproline) in liver tissues were done.
Combination of β-glucan and PZQ therapy resulted in significant decrease in adults count, hepatic
egg loads, granuloma number and diameter as well as significant improvement of hepatic
pathology and reduction of hepatic fibrosis.