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Home » Archive » 2023

TDK conference 2023

Study of the susceptibility of Trichomonas gallinae to nitroimidazole and proton pump inhibitors
Csiki Boglárka Bianka - year 4
University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Supervisors: Dr. Adam Kerek, Dr. Patrik Mag

Abstract:

Trichomonas gallinae is a unicellular obligate parasite that infects birds. It is spread mainly by pigeon species by the use of communal feeders or drinkers, and also by the feeding of chicks with breast milk. It most commonly causes lesions in the pharynx and oesophagus, and these deposits can prevent birds from eating, drinking or even breathing, making the infection potentially fatal. Trichomonas gallinae is a parasite of great economic and conservation importance, threatening both farmed and wild bird species. Currently, 5-nitroimidazole derivatives can be used for treatment, but these are prohibited in food producing animals and a number of resistant strains have been described in treated non-food producing animals such as high value racing pigeons. The aim of the present study was to look for alternative treatment options against infection.

Trichomonas gallinae unicellular parasites were collected from urban pigeons using a sterile sampling stick from trachea. After collection, samples were transported and stored in a special tap water at 37 ºC. After 24 h of incubation, the number of live trophozoites (pc/ml) was determined using a Bürker chamber. For the active substances ronidazole, metronidazole, secnidazole and tinidazole, a stock solution containing 14 V/V% dimethyl-sulfoxide DMSO was prepared. For the proton pump inhibitors, pantoprazole and rabeprazole were prepared with distilled water, while omeprazole, esomeprazole and lansoprazole were prepared with 24 V/V% ethanol. Our results showed that a drug concentration of 2 μg/ml was required for complete eradication of parasites in the presence of ronidazole, which is in agreement with other literature data. For metronidazole, tinidazole and secnidazole, a concentration of 4 μg/ml was required. Among the proton pump inhibitors, omeprazole was the most effective, with complete eradication of parasites observed at 250 μg/ml, while pantoprazole and esomeprazole required a concentration of 1000 μg/ml. Rabeprazole proved to be much less effective, with a concentration of 2000 μg/ml required for complete eradication of parasites.

In summary, our results suggest that proton pump inhibitors may be good alternative treatments for Trichomonas gallinae infection, and the development of benzimidazole structured agents offers a promising opportunity for the production and testing of new, alternative and safer agents in the future.



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