Tegumental alterations in Schistosoma mansoni worms induced by treatment of infected mice with naproxen pre- and/or post-infection.

Abstract

Schistosoma mansoni infected mice were treated with naproxen (CAS 22204-53-1) in a dose of 3-4 mg/kg body weight. Treatment was conducted for 7 days before and/or 28 days post infection. Adult worms, developed 7 weeks post infection, were studied by electron microscopy. In both groups, the dorsal surface of the male worms was much more affected by the drug than that of female ones. The most significant morphological degeneration was the change in the aspect and the form of tubercles. Moreover, shrinkage and loss of spines from the ventral surface were also observed. A small portion of the posterior end of female worms showed loss of spines. However, in the first group given naproxen 7 days before infection, the level and extent of changes increased particularly in male worms. There was pronounced oedema, swelling, wrinkling with constriction and collapse of sensory bulbs.