Effects of approved drugs on schistosome larvae


Quinine






Quinine, an antimalarial drug, inhibits larval maturation (no gut development), but does not kill the larvae.














Mitoxantrone





As reported by other groups, antineoplastic drugs (directed against tumors) - here Mitoxantrone - can profoundly inhibit larval development or kill them.
Side effect: blue larvae.

Note: Blood cells are evenly dispersed,
no cell cluster formation, i. e. no immunological reaction.








Simvastatin






It is also known that many statins (drugs used for lowering cholesterol levels) negatively affect schistosome development - here Simvastatin.

Note: Pronounced cell clusters reflecting an intense immunological reaction.










Schistosome growth-promoting drug




On the other side, there are compounds that profoundly promote and synchronize larval development resulting in a uniform and advanced maturation of the larvae.

Note: Blood cells are evenly dispersed,
no cell cluster formation, i. e. no immunological reaction.











Dose-dependent inhibition of worm maturation


Praziquantel at concentrations between 10 and 0.31 µM and control wells with no drug







The inhibition of growth and development of the worms varies with the drug concentration.
Example: Dilution series of praziquantel
(duplicate wells)