SYNERGY BETWEEN BETA-1, 3-GLUCAN AND PRAZIQUANTEL IN THE TREATMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL CHRONIC SCHISTOSOMIASIS MANSONI

Praziquantel can develop resistance and cannot counteract schistosomiasis pathology. β-glucanwas used as an immunomodulator for innate and acquired immunity. This study evaluated theeffects of β-glucan either alone or with PZQ on chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection. Micewere divided into five groups: uninfected control, infected untreated, PZQ treated, β-glucantreated and combined treatment groups. Treatment started at the end of 8th week P.I. Parasitological,histopathological, immunohistochemical (α-SMA) studies and biochemical assays (Myeloperoxidaseactivity, NO, TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-13 & hydroxyproline) in liver tissues were done.Combination of β-glucan and PZQ therapy resulted in significant decrease in adults count, hepaticegg loads, granuloma number and diameter as well as significant improvement of hepaticpathology and reduction of hepatic fibrosis.