Nano copper-organic framework as a delivery system to improve the efficiency of commercially available drugs for cryptosporidiosis: In vivo experimental study

Background: Considering low efficacy, and high toxicity of the commonly used drugs in cryptosporidiosis, in addition to the development of drug resistance, trial for a novel approach is required. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Nifuroxazide (Antinal), Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (Septrin), Nitazoxanide (NTZ), loaded-on copper-benzene tricarboxylate (Cu-BTC) metal organic frameworks (MOH) for treatment of Cryptosporidium -experimentally infected mice. Material and Methods: Ninety male Swiss albino mice were divided into nine groups. Except for the 1 st group (control negative), all mice were infected with 10 3 Cryptosporidium oocysts. Except for 2 nd group (infected non treated), the remaining groups of infected mice were administered the tested drugs 2 nd day post infection (PI) for 7 days. Daily stool examination for oocyst shedding from day 3 to 18 PI was conducted to evaluate drugs’ efficacy. Furthermore, to confirm Cryptosporidium complete eradication, real time PCR (RT-PCR) was performed on stool samples collected after 3 weeks PI. Survival rate was also calculated for 3 weeks PI (at 7 th , 14 th and 21