IN VIVO AND IN VITRO EFFECTS OF ARTEMISININ GROUP OF DRUGS ON TRYPANOSOMOSIS IN MICE

Abstract

This study was done to study the effect of artemisinin groups of drugs on mice experimentally infected with the protozoan Trypanosoma brucei and on Trypanosoma brucei invitro. Commercial artesunate and artemether were used with diminazene aceturate serving as control. It was discovered that artemether administration resulted into seven days of aparasitaemia of trypanosomosis in vivo and reduced motility of the trypanosomes in vitro. There was synergistic effect in the action of artesunate and diminazene aceturate. In vitro analysis gave a similar result in that the trypanosome were found to be sensitive to artemether  with an MIC of 0.6µl,  artesunate with berenil combination and the artemether treatment group 2.5µM. The implication of these results is discussed and advice is given on the potential adaptation of artesunate for treatment of trypanosomosis and planting of Artemisia annua tree in the country.