In vitro screening of BTP-Iso on Schistosoma mansoni and its intermediate host Biomphalaria alexandrina

Abstract Objective To test the effect of benzimidazole-derived compound (compound BTP-Iso) on cultured adult Schistosoma mansoni and clean Biomphalaria alexandrina snails. Methods Adult schistosomes were incubated at different concentrations of compound BTP-Iso to calculate mortality rate, LC 90 and LC 50 , in addition, tegumental changes were recorded using SEM. Clean Biomphalaria alexandrina snails were also incubated with compound BTP-Iso at various concentrations to report snail mortality. Results Compound BTP-Iso was found to possess potent antischistosomal activities on adult worms but no effect was recorded on snail host. At a concentration of 8 μg/mL, mortality rates were 45.8% and 81.0% after 48 h and 72 h incubation, respectively, while 100% mortality was recorded after 48 h incubation at 20.0 μg/mL and after 72 h incubation at 10.0 μg/mL, with LC 50 and LC 90 of 6.1 μg/mL and 9.8 μg/mL, respectively. Morphological changes and tegumental alternation of treated worms suggested loss of the tegument and its vital functions. Conclusions This study provided the evidence for the potential antischistosomal effect of compound BTP-Iso and its possible uses as an alternative chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of schistosomiasis.