Analysis of the Beta‐Tubulin Gene and Morphological Changes of the Microsporidium Anncaliia algerae both Suggest Albendazole Sensitivity1. (15th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santiana, Marianita; Pau, Cyrilla; Takvorian, Peter M.; Cali, Ann
• Is Part Of: Journal of eukaryotic microbiology. Volume 62:Number 1(2015:Jan./Feb.)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2014-09-15
• Subjects: Protista -- Periodicals; Eukaryotic cells -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; 579.05
• DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12160
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1066-5234

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jeu12160-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The Microsporidium, <italic>Anncaliia algerae</italic>, an obligate intracellular parasite, has been identified as an opportunistic human pathogen, but treatment has not been evaluated for infections with this organism. Albendazole, an antitubulin polymerization drug used against parasitic worm infections, has been the medication of choice used to treat some microsporidial infections affecting humans, with varying results ranging from clearing infection (<italic>Encephalitozoon</italic>) to resistance (<italic>Enterocytozoon</italic>). This study illustrates the effect of albendazole treatment on <italic>A. algerae</italic> infection in Rabbit Kidney (RK13) cells and Human Fetal Lung (HFL‐1) fibroblasts. Albendazole appears to have an attenuating effect on <italic>A. algerae</italic> infection and albendazole's IC<sub>50</sub> in RK13 cells is 0.1 μg/ml. Long‐term treatment inhibits up to 98% of spore production, but interrupting treatment reestablishes the infection without new exposure to the parasite as supported by microscopic observations. The parasite's beta‐tubulin gene was purified, cloned, and sequenced. Five of the six specific amino acids, associated with benzimidazole sensitivity, are conserved in <italic>A. algerae</italic>. These findings suggest that <italic>A. algerae</italic> is sensitive to albendazole; however, the organism is not completely cleared from cultures.</p> </abstract>