Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Suez University, Faculty of Science, Egypt
2
Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez University, Suez, Egypt
3
Department of Parasitology, Theodore Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
Abstract
Worldwide, the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium has emerged as a significant cause of diarrheal diseases, posing risks to both immunocompromised individuals and young children. Generally, cryptosporidiosis is not severe in healthy people. Still, it can result in life-threatening complications for those with weakened immune systems, including individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapies, and those with genetic immune disorders. Nitazoxanide, an antiparasitic medication, shortens the duration of diarrhea and decreases the release of Cryptosporidium oocysts. This study aimed to assess the impacts of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and lactoferrin (LF), both individually and in comparison, to nitazoxanide (NTZ), on immune changes in immunosuppressed mice. Seventy male Swiss albino mice were inoculated with 3x103 oocysts each and were divided into seven main experimental and control groups. The experimental groups orally received NZ (200 mg/kg), LF (2g/Kg), silver nanoparticles (2 mg/Kg), and LF loaded with silver nanoparticles. Immunological alteration in immunocompromised mice was assessed by measuring IgG, IgM, and serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17. Infected mice treated with LF and AgNPs showed statistically significant reductions in mean serum levels of IgG and IgM when compared to those receiving NTZ. The LF group exhibited the most substantial decline in IL-4, IFNγ, and IL-17 serum concentrations. Levels of IL-10 were reduced in the group treated with LF, AgNPs, and NTZ.
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