Triclabendazole progress report, 2005–2009: an advancement of learning?

Abstract

Triclabendazole (TCBZ) remains the drug of choice for treating infections of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica in livestock and has become the main drug used to treat human cases of the disease as well. Cases of resistance in livestock continue to be reported, suggesting that the problem is increasing. In order to address the problem, there is a need for better understanding of drug action. A 'state-of-play' review on different aspects of TCBZ activity was published by the present author in 2005. The main purpose of the current review is to assess what progress has been made in the past four years towards understanding the main aspects of drug activity, including drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and an understanding of the mechanism(s) of resistance. Also, what advances have been made in identifying alternative compounds and using drug combinations to enhance TCBZ activity. Stemming from a number of in vivo studies, it has become evident that fluke isolates of differing sensitivity to TCBZ differ in some of their biological parameters, and information on this interesting phenomenon will be presented. An update on the use of TCBZ for human fascioliasis is also given. The review will indicate what progress has been made, but will also highlight areas that remain inadequately understood and require greater research focus.

The Anti-Fasciolasis Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Produced by Trichoderma harzianum and Their Improvement of the Anti-Fasciolasis Drug Triclabendazole

“…The results of the present work showed that the drug efficacy on the hatchability of Fasciola eggs is increases drastically using silver nano particles combined with the drug of choice (10.33% and 30.33% respectively). Triclabendazole (TCBZ) is inhibiting of microtubule-dependent processes as a result of binding to the β-tubulin molecule [45–47]. However, if TCBZ action is associated with microtubule depolymerisation, some egg damage would be expected considering that the drug may accumulate within the egg in therapeutic concentrations [48].…”

Immune response of rats vaccinated orally with various plant-expressed recombinant cysteine proteinase constructs when challenged with Fasciola hepatica metacercariae

“…In recent years, the number of F . hepatica infections has dramatically risen, a trend that has been attributed to climate change [4,5]. The prevalence of fasciolosis has increased by up to 12-fold in the EU member states during recent years [6].…”

Development and validation of a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method for pharmacokinetic studies of OZ78, a fasciocidal drug candidate

“…Currently the treatment of fascioliasis in humans relies on one single drug, triclabendazole. Though triclabendazole resistance has not been shown in humans, resistance to this drug is widely spreading in sheep and cattle [8,9]. In veterinary medicine additional drugs are commonly used in the treatment of infections with Fasciola spp.…”