The potential effect of Leiurus quinquestriatus scorpion venom as an anti-parasitic medication for trichinellosis

Document Type : Original Article

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Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Egypt

Abstract

Trichinella spiralis is a parasitic nematode with a complex life cycle and is recognized as a significant public health concern. Although Albendazole (ABZ) and Mebendazole are widely used to treat trichinellosis, natural products may offer safer and more effective alternatives. This study evaluated the efficacy of Leiurus quinquestriatus venom (LQV) as an anti-parasitic agent against T. spiralis infection in mice. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of LQV was first determined in adult male CD1 mice, sixty mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 15): non-infected, non-treated controls; infected, untreated controls; infected mice treated orally with ABZ (50 mg/kg); and infected mice treated intraperitoneally with LQV (0.03 mg/kg; 1/10 LD₅₀) for 15 days. At 7- and 35-day post-infection, adult worm and muscle larval burdens were evaluated. Serum interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were measured, and histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on intestinal and skeletal muscle tissues. Compared to untreated infected controls, LQV treatment led to a 55% reduction in adult worm burden and a 49% reduction in muscle larvae. Both ABZ and LQV significantly lowered IL-4 and IL-10 levels. Histological and immunohistochemical findings showed that LQV ameliorated infection-induced tissue inflammation and pathology. These results suggest that LQV exerts notable antiparasitic and immunomodulatory effects, potentially representing a promising natural alternative to conventional therapies for trichinellosis.

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