Paromomycin inhibits Cryptosporidium infection of a human enterocyte cell line

J Infect Dis. 1992 Apr;165(4):772-4. doi: 10.1093/infdis/165.4.772.

Abstract

Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite that causes severe enteritis in patients with AIDS for which there is no effective therapy. Paromomycin is a nonabsorbable aminoglycoside that is effective in the treatment of other intestinal protozoa. The ability of paromomycin to inhibit C. parvum infection of a differentiated human enterocyte cell line was evaluated in vitro. Paromomycin concentrations ranging from 50 to 5000 micrograms/ml inhibited infection at 24 h in a dose-dependent fashion. Concentrations greater than 1000 micrograms/ml, which are theoretically achievable in the bowel lumen, inhibited infection by greater than 85% (P less than .001). Prospective clinical trials of paromomycin for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis in patients with AIDS are warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cryptosporidium parvum / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Intestines / cytology
  • Intestines / parasitology*
  • Paromomycin / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Paromomycin