In vitro effects of new artemisinin derivatives in Neospora caninum-infected human fibroblasts.

From a panel of 34 artemisinin derivatives tested in vitro, artemisone, GC007 and GC012 were most efficacious at inhibiting Neospora caninum replication (IC50 values of 3-54nM), did not notably impair the invasiveness of tachyzoites and were non-toxic for human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs). Transmission electron microscopy of drug-treated N. caninum-infected HFFs demonstrated severe alterations in the parasite cytoplasm, changes in the composition of the matrix of the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) and diminished integrity of the PV membrane. To exert parasiticidal activity, parasites had to be cultured continuously in the presence of 5μM artemisone or GC007 for 3 weeks. N. caninum tachyzoites readily adapted to a stepwise increase in concentrations (0.5-10μM) of GC012, but not to artemisone or GC007. Drugs induced the expression of elevated levels of NcBAG1 and NcSAG4 mRNA, but only NcBAG1 could be detected by immunofluorescence. Thus, artemisinin derivatives represent interesting leads that should be investigated further.

A new OCT finding in tuberculous serpiginous-like choroidopathy.

PURPOSE To present a case of tubercular serpiginous-like choroiditis (SLC) with previously unreported choroidal findings on enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT). DESIGN Case report. METHODS A 60-year-old female presented with decreased vision. Serpiginous choroidopathy was diagnosed. Laboratory workup revealed an infectious etiology. EDI-OCT revealed previously unreported choroidal findings. RESULTS Laboratory workup revealed nonreactive Treponema pallidum antibodies and positive QuantiFERON Gold. CT chest showed scars of prior granulomatous disease. OCT with EDI of active lesions demonstrated infiltration of the choroid, elevation of the RPE-Bruch's membrane complex and focal increase of choroidal thickness. CONCLUSIONS Choroidal infiltration with elevation of the RPE was demonstrated on EDI-OCT in active areas of tuberculous serpiginous-like choroiditis in this patient. This finding has not been described in imaging of patients with noninfectious serpiginous choroidopathy and may be a useful tool to differentiate serpiginous choroidopathy (SC) from serpiginous-like choroiditis (SLC). EDI-OCT may provide characterization of choroidal involvement.