Selenium is an essential micronutrient plays a pivotal role in several physiological and pathological
processes, mainly enzymes group called glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes play an
important role in detoxification system and give protection against oxidative stress. This study
evaluated Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) versus Praziquental (PZQ).in treating Schistosoma
mansoni- experimentally infected mice. The study included four groups each of 10 male Swiss
albino mice; G1: non-infected (control negative, G2: infected and non- treated mice (control
positive), G3: Infected and PZQ treated & G4: Infected and SeNPs treated. Evaluation parameters
were hepatic egg count, histopathology of liver and spleen tissues, and measurement of superoxide
dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
The result showed that hepatic eggs significantly decreased (34%) in PZQ group and markedly
reduced (66%) in SeNPs one. Histopathology of liver mean of number granulomas was 4, and
reduced to 1.92 &1.12 in PZQ and SeNPs respectively. The reduction percent in SeNPs group
increased (72%) with a highly significant granulomal number reduction and reduction in liver
fibrosis. The mean diameter of granulomas in PZQ treated mice was reduced by 19.9%, and
SeNPs ones by 36%. There was a significant reduction in megakaryocytes (39.45%) in SeNPs
group versus (22%) in PZQ one. Schistosomiasis induced a significant reduction in GSH and
SOD levels with increased MDA level compared to control negative. Treatment with PZQ and
SeNPs significantly increased GSH and SOD levels, and decreased MDA level mainly in SeNPs
group.