Trypanocidal effect of Diminazene aceturate by intranasal administration. Comparison among formulations

Background: The standard treatment for nagana and surra, vector–born parasite diseases, is a single intramuscular (i.m.) dose of diminazene aceturate (Berenil), an aromatic diamidine. Due to discontinuation of public provision of veterinary services or to lack of access to remote areas, low income farmers inject livestock and other domestic animals by themselves. We tested a not explored administration route for drugs against parasitological infections: the intranasal one. Berenil alone dissolved in water did not reach an effective drug concentration. Methods: Mice were infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei or Trypanosoma evansi and treated with different formulations of Berenil. Survival, parasitemia, body weight and behavior were recorded. Results: Berenil formulated with chitosan reached a lethal concentration for bloodstream parasites. Residual parasites were absent, as demonstrated by immunosuppression. Conclusion: The intranasal route is an effective, safer, and easier way to perform antiparasitic treatments in animals.