Anti-Toxoplasma Activity of Tellurium Oxide (TeO2) Nanoparticle on Toxoplasma gondii In vitro

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite in humans and many warm-blooded animals worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the different antiparasitic effects of tellurium oxide (TeO2) nanoparticles against T. gondii. Methods: In this study, we used tachyzoite assay (ocular counting test) to determine the lethal effect of tellurium nanoparticles on parasites. Toxic effects of nanoparticles on macrophages were also evaluated using MTT assay. The type of parasitic cell death (necrosis or apoptosis) was determined by flow cytometric analysis. Results: According to the examination of the parasites by light microscopy, TeO2 nanoparticles had destructive and lethal effects on T. gondii. The results of the MTT assay showed that the toxic effects on macrophages were more significant at high concentrations (400 μg/mL). Flow cytometric analysis also estimated the percentage of apoptosis (primary and secondary) of the parasites at 56.97%. Conclusions: According to the findings, tellurium Oxide nanoparticles have a toxic effect on T. gondii and lead to apoptosis in this parasite. This research boosts different tests in another parasite.