Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide parasitic disease that affects about one third of the population.
The infection may range from asymptomatic to severe deadly in immunocompromised patients.
Unfortunately, the available drugs are toxic and cannot eradicate bradyzoites in chronic disease.
The study evaluated levofloxacin combined with Allium sativum compared with trimethoprim +
sulphamethoxazole to treat experimental cerebral toxoplasmosis in mice infected with Me49
cystogenic strain. The study included normal control group (GI), infected control group (GII),
levofloxacin-treated group (GIII) (90 mg/kg/day starting on the 4th d.p.i. and continued for 7
days), Sutrim-treated group (GIV) (Trimethoprim at a dose 30 mg/kg/day + Sulphamethoxazole
at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day starting on 4th d.p.i and continued for 30 days), and the combined
LVX+A. sativum-treated (GV) (LVX was given as described in GIII and A. sativum was given
at a dose of 500mg/kg/day started on the 4th d.p.i up to 30 days). The experiment was terminated
on the 45th d.p.i. Giemsa-stained impression smears from brain tissues of each mouse were
prepared to determine parasitic load. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were
done. Serum samples were prepared for immunological (IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IFN-ɤ) and biochemical
studies (iNOS, AST, ALT, urea, creatinine). The best results were obtained in GV,
with a significant reduction (92.77%) in brain cyst count with improved histopathological findings.
There was a significant decrease in IL-10 and significant increases in IL-12, IL-17, IFN-ɤ,
iNOS. Liver and renal functions biochemical studies showed safety of this combination.