Celecoxib could replace sulphamethoxazole as antiparasitic drug against Toxoplasma gondii isolates in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Toxoplama gondii is one of the most virulent obligate intracellular parasites. It is prevalent worldwide, infecting all worm blooded animals with great economic impact. The most commonly used treatment regimen is sulfamethoxazole and pyrimethamine combination. However, it has low bioavailability to patient suffering from sulfa-allergy. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the repurposing of celecoxib, anti-cox2 drug, for treatment of a murine model of toxoplasmosis. Methods: Ninety male Swiss strain Albino mice were divided into 2 groups: control and experimental. The experimental group was divided into three subgroups; sulfamethoxazole treated, celecoxib treated and celecoxib loaded on chitosan nanoparticles treated. Nanoparticles were prepared and characterized by 5 methods. All groups underwent parasitological and histopathological evaluation. Results: Sulfamethoxazole and CLCNPs treated mice appeared healthier with prolonged survival time. A statistically significant reduction in the parasitic load in spleen and liver tissues was also evident. The ultrastructure study also demonstrated marked deformities in the external morphology of the treated parasites for both drugs. Histopathological examination showed improvement of the inflammatory reactions and necrosis in tissues of treated animals for both drugs. Conclusion: celecoxib can be used as a good alternative for sulfamethoxazole in the treatment of toxoplasmosis additionally loading of celecoxib within nanoparticles could reduce its dose needed for treatment and potentiate its antiparasitic effect.