[Therapeutic efficacy of allitridin and azithromycin on Cryptosporidium infection in mice].

Seventy Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups named as normal control group (10), Cryptosporidium infected group (20), allitridin treatment group (20) and azithromycin treatment group (20). After infection, each mouse in allitridin treatment and azithromycin treatment groups were given 1.5 mg/d allitridin or 2 mg/d azithromycin by gavage for 12 days, respectively. The mice were observed and the oocysts shedding in fecal pellets were counted daily after treatment. The level of secretory IgA (sIgA) in intestinal fluid of proximal jejunum was determined. The pathological changes in mucous membrane of proximal jejunum were observed by HE staining. Compared with infection group, the level of oocyst shedding was considerably lower in the two treatment groups (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in sIgA level in intestinal fluid between allitridin treatment group (5.16 p.l/ml) and azithromycin treatment group (3.7 microl/ml) (P < 0.05). Pathological examination of intestinal mucous membrane showed that swollen mucous membrane and focal necrosis of tissue were observed in infection group, and less inflammatory cell infiltration occurred in the two treatment groups. Allitridin and azithromycin are effective in the treatment of Cryptosporidium infection. Allitridin can enhance the defense function of intestinal mucosa.