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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Benzimidazole fungicides are a class of highly effective, low-toxicity, systemic broad-spectrum fungicides developed in the 1960s and 1970s, based on the fungicidal... (Review)
Review
Benzimidazole fungicides are a class of highly effective, low-toxicity, systemic broad-spectrum fungicides developed in the 1960s and 1970s, based on the fungicidal activity of the benzimidazole ring structure. They exhibit biological activities including anticancer, antibacterial, and antiparasitic effects. Due to their particularly outstanding antibacterial properties, they are widely used in agriculture to prevent and control various plant diseases caused by fungi. The main products of benzimidazole fungicides include benomyl, carbendazim, thiabendazole, albendazole, thiophanate, thiophanate-methyl, fuberidazole, methyl (1-{[(5-cyanopentyl)amino]carbonyl}-1-benzimidazol-2-yl) carbamate, and carbendazim salicylate. This article mainly reviews the physicochemical properties, toxicological properties, disease control efficacy, and pesticide residue and detection technologies of the aforementioned nine benzimidazole fungicides and their main metabolite (2-aminobenzimidazole). On this basis, a brief outlook on the future research directions of benzimidazole fungicides is presented.
Topics: Fungicides, Industrial; Benzimidazoles; Carbamates; Thiophanate; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38542855
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29061218 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Apr 2024Sciatica, a condition characterized by pain along the sciatic nerve distribution, is commonly associated with nerve compression or irritation. However, its etiology can...
INTRODUCTION
Sciatica, a condition characterized by pain along the sciatic nerve distribution, is commonly associated with nerve compression or irritation. However, its etiology can vary, including rare non-spinal causes such as hydatid cysts. We present a case of hydatid cyst in the thigh causing sciatica-like symptoms, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and management approach.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 40-year-old patient with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis presented with persistent lumbosciatic pain despite conservative treatment. Physical examination revealed left sciatica without spinal abnormalities. MRI revealed a hydatid cyst in the thigh, causing nerve irritation. Surgical resection of the cyst was performed, achieving symptom resolution.
DISCUSSION
Hydatid cysts in skeletal muscles are rare, with atypical presentations complicating diagnosis. Localization in the thigh, particularly the biceps femoris muscle, is uncommon. Diagnostic modalities include imaging and serological tests, while treatment involves surgical excision and postoperative albendazole therapy.
CONCLUSION
Recognition of rare presentations like thigh hydatid cysts causing sciatica-like symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. This case emphasizes the importance of considering unusual etiologies in refractory sciatica cases and underscores the complexity of medical diagnosis. Increased awareness among healthcare providers can lead to improved patient outcomes and prevent diagnostic delays.
PubMed: 38518474
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109545 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Mar 2024Control efforts of soil-transmitted helminthiases rely primarily on large scale administration of anthelminthic drugs. The assessment of drug efficacies and... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
Control efforts of soil-transmitted helminthiases rely primarily on large scale administration of anthelminthic drugs. The assessment of drug efficacies and understanding of drug behavior is pivotal to the evaluation of treatment successes, both in preventive chemo-therapy programs as well as in research of novel treatment options. The current WHO guidelines recommend an interval of 14-21 days between the treatment and follow-up, yet no in-depth analysis of egg excretion patterns of Trichuris trichiura after treatment has been conducted to date.
METHODS
Within the framework of a multi-country trial to assess the efficacy and safety of albendazole-ivermectin combination therapy vs albendazole monotherapy against T. trichiura infections, we conducted a study collecting daily stool samples over the period of 28 days post-treatment in 87 participants in Pak Khan, Lao PDR. Egg counts were derived by duplicate Kato-Katz on-site for T. trichiura, hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides and stool sample aliquots were subsequently analyzed by qPCR for the detection of T. trichiura infections. Sensitivity and specificity was calculated for each day separately using data derived by Kato-Katz to determine the optimal timepoint at which to assess drug efficacy.
RESULTS
Egg excretion patterns varied across treatment arms. For T. trichiura, only the albendazole-ivermectin treatment led to a considerable reduction in mean egg counts, whereas both treatments reduced hookworm egg counts and A. lumbricoides were cleared in all participants after day 7. For T. trichiura, we found sensitivity to be highest at days 18 and 22 when using egg counts as outcome and days 19 and 24 when using qPCR. Specificity was high (>0.9) from day 14 onwards. For hookworm, the highest sensitivity and specificity were found at days 17 and 25, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on our study, the ideal time period to assess drug efficacy for soil-transmitted helminth infections would be between day 18 and 24. The current WHO recommendation of 14 to 21 days is likely to yield acceptable outcome measures for soil-transmitted helminth infections.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
NCT03527732.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Albendazole; Ancylostomatoidea; Anthelmintics; Feces; Helminthiasis; Ivermectin; Soil; Trichuriasis; Trichuris
PubMed: 38517907
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012073 -
Case Reports in Infectious Diseases 2024Lung is the second most common locationof cystic echinococcosis (CE), after the liver. Diagnosis of lung CE is often incidental, and clinical manifestations depend on...
Lung is the second most common locationof cystic echinococcosis (CE), after the liver. Diagnosis of lung CE is often incidental, and clinical manifestations depend on the location and size of the cyst, the most common being chest pain, shortness of breath, expectoration of fragments of endocyst, and haemoptysis. Surgery is the primary treatment, with a minor role for medical therapy. Delayed diagnosis and treatment may have important consequences. We present a case of lung CE in whichsurgical treatment was delayed due to the first wave of COVID-19. Since surgery could not be performed immediately, the patient was kept on albendazole and the cyst stage moved from CE1 to CE3a, to CE4, eventually requiring a more aggressive pericystectomy instead of the commonly performed endocystectomy. The clinical and imaging characteristics of a rare CE4 cyst of the lung are reported.
PubMed: 38515562
DOI: 10.1155/2024/5167805 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are major constraints to health and productivity of small ruminants. Methods of their control relies mainly on anthelmintic drugs;...
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are major constraints to health and productivity of small ruminants. Methods of their control relies mainly on anthelmintic drugs; however, the indiscriminate use of these drugs could lead to the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR). This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of GINs infection, and field evaluation of anthelmintic efficacy in sheep. The epidemiological data were collected using a cross-sectional study design while a farm-based field study design was employed for the evaluation of anthelminthic efficacy. Furthermore, standard parasitological techniques were employed for qualitative and quantitative worm identification. The overall prevalence indicated 50.3%. Six genera of GINs (Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum/Chabertia, Trichuris, Teladosargia/Ostertagia and Nematodirus) were identified. Among the identified genera, Haemonchus (25.4%) and Trichostrongylus (24.8%) were the dominant genera followed by mixed infection (21.8%), Oesophagostomum/Chabertia (10.4%), Trichuris (7.8%), Teladosargia (Ostertagia) (5.7%) and Nematodirus (4.1%). Mixed infections consisted either of double infections with Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus, or triple infections with Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus and Trichuris. The McMaster egg counting results showed that the mean EPG of infected sheep was 845.6. The results also showed 66 (34.2%), 101 (52.3%) and 26 (13.5%) sheep had low, moderate and heavy worm burden, respectively. Albendazole and Ivermectin showed low efficacy (percentage reductions = 90% and 92%; 95% lower confidence limit = 82.1% and 83.6% respectively) whereas Tetramisole was effective (FECR% = 96.8%; 95% LCL = 93.4%). Factors such as age, body condition, management system and past deworming history of sheep were found to have a statistically significant (p < 0.05) influence on the occurrence and burden of the worms. This is further explained as the highest prevalence and worm burden was detected in sheep of young age (p = 0.008; OR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.39-0.87), poor body condition (p = 0.001; OR = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.04-0.16) and sheep kept under semi-intensive (p = 0.04; OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.02-2.29) with no deworming history for the last two months (p = 0.001; OR = 2.97; 95% CI = 1.94-4.56). The study results revealed that nematode infections were among sheep health constraints that could hurt their productivity while low efficacy of Albendazole and Ivermectin were detected. Therefore, the appropriate management techniques of GIN infections should be designed and implemented. Moreover, a further study involving more sensitive techniques (e.g. Mini-FLOTAC, molecular, and serological techniques) should be conducted by considering different host and environmental risk factors such as production level and seasons.
Topics: Animals; Sheep; Albendazole; Ivermectin; Ethiopia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sheep Diseases; Parasite Egg Count; Nematoda; Anthelmintics; Nematode Infections; Haemonchus; Ruminants; Trichostrongylus; Oesophagostomum; Trichuris; Feces
PubMed: 38514717
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55611-7 -
European Journal of Pharmaceutical... May 2024Albendazole, a vital medication endorsed by the World Health Organization for combating parasitic infections, encounters a challenge stemming from its low solubility,...
Albendazole, a vital medication endorsed by the World Health Organization for combating parasitic infections, encounters a challenge stemming from its low solubility, significantly impeding absorption and bioavailability. Albendazole has near-insolubility in most organic solvents, so the solid dispersions of albendazole were predominantly using the fusion method. However, the solvent method could offer the advantage of achieving molecular-level mixing homogeneity. In this investigation, we incorporated the pH adjustment to prepare albendazole solid dispersion using a solvent method, which utilizes trace amounts of HCl in methanol, yielding notably enhanced albendazole solubility. Subsequently, carriers such as PEG6000/Poloxamer 188 (PEG: polyethylene glycol) and PVP K30/Poloxamer 188 (PVP: polyvinylpyrrolidone) were employed to create albendazole solid dispersions. Comprehensive characterization through dissolution rate analysis, PXRD (Powder X-ray diffraction), SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), and pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in mice and rats was conducted. The findings indicate that the solid dispersion effectively transforms the crystalline state of albendazole into an amorphous state, resulting in significantly enhanced in vivo absorption and a 5.9-fold increase in exposure. Besides, the exposure increased 1.64 times of commercial albendazole tablets. Notably, PEG6000/Poloxamer 188 and PVP K30/Poloxamer 188 solid dispersions exhibited superior dissolution rates and pharmacokinetic profiles compared to commercially available albendazole tablets.
PubMed: 38508502
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106751 -
Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal 2024Cardiac echinococcosis is a rare and severe manifestation of hydatid disease. It is caused by parasitic infestation by the species and can lead to life-threatening...
Cardiac echinococcosis is a rare and severe manifestation of hydatid disease. It is caused by parasitic infestation by the species and can lead to life-threatening complications. Diagnosis is difficult due to nonspecific symptoms, but echocardiography is a highly sensitive diagnostic method. Albendazole treatment is effective in managing these cysts and can be an alternative to surgery. A patient with multiple cardiac hydatid cysts was successfully treated with albendazole, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent life-threatening complications.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Albendazole; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus; Heart; Echocardiography
PubMed: 38495659
DOI: 10.14797/mdcvj.1333 -
World Journal of Hepatology Feb 2024Hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis coinfections, particularly with concurrent abscesses and sinus tract formation, are extremely rare. This article presents a...
BACKGROUND
Hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis coinfections, particularly with concurrent abscesses and sinus tract formation, are extremely rare. This article presents a case of a patient diagnosed with this unique presentation, discussing the typical imaging manifestations of both echinococcosis types and detailing the diagnosis and surgical treatment experience thereof.
CASE SUMMARY
A 39-year-old Tibetan woman presented with concurrent hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, accompanied by abdominal wall abscesses and sinus tract formation. Initial conventional imaging examinations suggested only hepatic cystic echinococcosis, but intraoperative and postoperative pathological examination revealed the coinfection. Following radical resection of the lesions, the patient's condition improved, and she was discharged soon thereafter. Subsequent outpatient follow-ups confirmed no recurrence of the hydatid lesion and normal surgical wound healing. Though mixed hepatic cystic and alveolar echinococcosis with abdominal wall abscesses and sinus tract formations are rare, the general treatment approach remains consistent with that of simpler infections of alveolar echinococcosis.
CONCLUSION
Lesions involving the abdominal wall and sinus tract formation, may require radical resection. Long-term prognosis includes albendazole and follow-up examinations.
PubMed: 38495276
DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i2.279 -
Parasites & Vectors Mar 2024After ivermectin became available, diethylcarbamazine (DEC) use was discontinued because of severe adverse reactions, including ocular reactions, in individuals with... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae in the anterior chambers of the eye and ocular adverse events after a single dose of 8 mg moxidectin or 150 µg/kg ivermectin: results of a randomized double-blind Phase 3 trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Liberia.
BACKGROUND
After ivermectin became available, diethylcarbamazine (DEC) use was discontinued because of severe adverse reactions, including ocular reactions, in individuals with high Onchocerca volvulus microfilaridermia (microfilariae/mg skin, SmfD). Assuming long-term ivermectin use led to < 5 SmfD with little or no eye involvement, DEC + ivermectin + albendazole treatment a few months after ivermectin was proposed. In 2018, the US FDA approved moxidectin for treatment of O. volvulus infection. The Phase 3 study evaluated SmfD, microfilariae in the anterior chamber (mfAC) and adverse events (AEs) in ivermectin-naïve individuals with ≥ 10 SmfD after 8 mg moxidectin (n = 978) or 150 µg/kg ivermectin (n = 494) treatment.
METHODS
We analyzed the data from 1463 participants with both eyes evaluated using six (0, 1-5, 6-10, 11-20, 21-40, > 40) mfAC and three pre-treatment (< 20, 20 to < 50, ≥ 50) and post-treatment (0, > 0-5, > 5) SmfD categories. A linear mixed model evaluated factors and covariates impacting mfAC levels. Ocular AEs were summarized by type and start post-treatment. Logistic models evaluated factors and covariates impacting the risk for ocular AEs.
RESULTS
Moxidectin and ivermectin had the same effect on mfAC levels. These increased from pre-treatment to Day 4 and Month 1 in 20% and 16% of participants, respectively. Six and 12 months post-treatment, mfAC were detected in ≈5% and ≈3% of participants, respectively. Ocular Mazzotti reactions occurred in 12.4% of moxidectin- and 10.2% of ivermectin-treated participants without difference in type or severity. The risk for ≥ 1 ocular Mazzotti reaction increased for women (OR 1.537, 95% CI 1.096-2.157) and with mfAC levels pre- and 4 days post-treatment (OR 0: > 10 mfAC 2.704, 95% CI 1.27-5.749 and 1.619, 95% CI 0.80-3.280, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
The impact of SmfD and mfAC levels before and early after treatment on ocular AEs needs to be better understood before making decisions on the risk-benefit of strategies including DEC. Such decisions should take into account interindividual variability in SmfD, mfAC levels and treatment response and risks to even a small percentage of individuals.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Anterior Chamber; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Double-Blind Method; Ghana; Intestinal Volvulus; Ivermectin; Liberia; Macrolides; Microfilariae; Onchocerca; Onchocerca volvulus; Onchocerciasis; Male
PubMed: 38491528
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06087-3 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024Soil-transmitted-helminth (STH) infections continue to be a persistent global public health problem. Control strategies for STH have been based on the use of mass drug...
Soil-transmitted-helminth (STH) infections continue to be a persistent global public health problem. Control strategies for STH have been based on the use of mass drug administration (MDA). Coverage and compliance assessment is critical to understanding the true effectiveness of albendazole (ABZ) in those MDA programs. The aims of this work were to characterize the pattern of albendazole and metabolites excretion in human saliva, and to develop a saliva-based biomarker (HPLC drug/metabolite detection) useful to accurately estimate the coverage/compliance in MDA campaigns. The study subjects were 12 healthy volunteers treated with a single oral dose of ABZ (400 mg). Saliva and blood (dried blood spot, DBS) samples were taken previously and between 2 and 72 h post-treatment. The samples were analyzed by HPLC with UV detection, C reversed-phase column. ABZ sulphoxide was the main analyte recovered up to 72 h p.t. in blood and saliva. The concentration profiles measured in the blood (DBS samples) were higher (P < 0.05) than those in saliva, however, this ABZ-metabolite was recovered longer in saliva. The in vivo measurement of drugs/metabolites in saliva samples from ABZ-treated volunteers offers strong scientific evidence to support the use of saliva as a valid biological sample for assessing compliance in MDA programs.
Topics: Humans; Albendazole; Saliva; Mass Drug Administration; Anthelmintics; Patient Compliance
PubMed: 38491091
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56804-w