Background: Cryptosporidium parvum is an intracellular
coccidial protozoa that can lead to life-threatening impacts in
immunocompromised hosts. Atorvastatin may be used to treat
human cryptosporidiosis. Nanomedicine developments appear
promising in treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Purpose: The aim of
this work is to evaluate the efficacy of atorvastatin loaded on
nano-particles on treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Methods:
Cryptosporidium oocysts were obtained by collection of stools
from naturally infected calves. Both Nitazoxanide (500
mg/kg/day) and Atorvastatin (40 mg/kg/day) either alone or
loaded on silver nano particles (SNP)- were given to the selected
immunosuppressed 110 mice. Assessment of drugs effect was
done by parasitological, histopathological and serological
assessment. Results: The highest group in reduction of number
of oocysts recorded in combination group of Atorvastatin and
Nitazoxanide loaded on SNP (95.1%). The highest level of serum
GSH was recorded in negative control group (26±.5) and the
least value recorded in positive control group (7.1±0.9).
Combination of Nitazoxanide and Atorvastatin loaded on SNP
achieved the highest increase in serum GSH level among treated
groups (24.8±1.4). Examination of sections from different treated
groups showed remarkable decrease in intestinal inflammation
with decreased number of Cryptosporidium oocysts with best
results in groups BVII (combination of Atorvastatin and
Nitazoxanide) and BVIII (combination group of Atorvastatin and
Nitazoxanide loaded on SNP)- showing significant statistical
difference compared to positive control group BII. Conclusion:
Atorvastatin (either alone or loaded on silver nanoparticles) in
combination with Nitazoxanide seems to be more efficient and
could be a good candidate in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis.
Keywords: Cryptosporidium parvum; Nitazoxanide;
Atorvastatin; Silver nanoparticles