What is melarsoprol used for?
melarsoprol, antiprotozoal drug formerly used in the treatment of late-stage African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness).
What is the vector of African sleeping sickness?
African Trypanosomiasis, also known as “sleeping sickness”, is caused by microscopic parasites of the species Trypanosoma brucei. It is transmitted by the tsetse fly (Glossina species), which is found only in sub-Saharan Africa.
Is Trypanosoma brucei a bacteria?
Trypanosoma brucei is a species of parasitic kinetoplastid belonging to the genus Trypanosoma. This parasite is the cause of vector-borne diseases of vertebrate animals, including humans, carried by species of tsetse fly in sub-Saharan Africa.
What is Melarsoprol made of?
Melarsoprol is a prodrug, which is metabolized to melarsen oxide (Mel Ox) as its active form. Mel Ox is an phenylarsonous acid derivative that irreversibly binds to sulfhydryl groups on pyruvate kinase, which disrupts energy production in the parasite.
Does Melarsoprol melt plastic?
Until now, the only antidote available to most patients in the DRC was Melarsoprol, a derivative of arsenic. But it is so toxic that it melts plastic syringes and can kill patients before they die of the illness – on average about one in 20.
Where are trypanosomes found?
West African trypanosomiasis can be contracted in parts of central Africa and in a few areas of West Africa. Most of the reported cases are found in central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Sudan, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Chad, and northern Uganda).
What are the signs of trypanosomiasis?
Fever, severe headaches, irritability, extreme fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and aching muscles and joints are common symptoms of sleeping sickness. Some people develop a skin rash. Progressive confusion, personality changes, and other neurologic problems occur after infection has invaded the central nervous system.
What is life cycle Trypanosoma?
The life cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi involves two intermediate hosts: the invertebrate vector (triatomine insects) and the vertebrate host (humans) and has three developmental stages namely, trypomastigotes, amastigotes and epimastigotes [8].
Does melarsoprol melt plastic?
What kind of disease is Melarsoprol used for?
Melarsoprol is a medication used for the treatment of sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis). It is specifically used for second-stage disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense when the central nervous system is involved.
Which is the active form of melarsoprol ( Mel Ox )?
Melarsoprol is a prodrug, which is metabolized to melarsen oxide (Mel Ox) as its active form. Mel Ox is an arsen-oxide that irreversibly binds to vicinal sulfhydryl groups on pyruvate kinase, which disrupts energy production in the parasite.
When to use melarsoprol in late stage t.b.rhodesiense?
Melarsoprol is a treatment used during the second stage of the disease. So far, it is the only treatment available for late-stage T. b. rhodesiense. Due to high toxicity, melarsoprol is reserved only for the most dangerous cases.
How are cyclodextrins produced in the food industry?
Cyclodextrins are produced from starch by enzymatic conversion. They are used in food, pharmaceutical, drug delivery, and chemical industries, as well as agriculture and environmental engineering. α-Cyclodextrin is a soluble dietary fiber used as an ingredient in commercial food products.