Nanosilver in the treatment of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER): an in vitro and in vivo study

Abstract

Background and the purpose of the study:

 
This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of different concentrations of Nanosilver solution against Iranian strain of Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) both in vitro and in vivo

on BALB/c mice model for the first time.


Methods:

 
this is an interventional study which was conducted on the infected macrophages by L. major amastigotes in vitro. In order to confirm the in vitro results, various concentration of Nanosilver solution were administered topically on skin lesions caused by L.major

in 78 inbred BALB/c mice as test or interventional and 52 mice as control groups once or twice daily for 14 days.


Results and major conclusion

 
: Results of this study showed that different concentration of Nanosilver reduced proliferation of L. major amastigotes compared with the control wells but the differences were not statistically significant. Also, different concentrations of Nanosilver did not decrease the lesion sizes and amastigote counts in the BALB/c mice significantly. Secondary infection was significantly decreased in Nanosilver- treated groups compared with control groups

(p<0.01). In conclusion, Nanosilver seems to be effective for control of secondary infection of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis.