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1: Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2007 Jan;29(1):98-102. Epub 2006 Nov 29.Click here to read Links

The activity of protease inhibitors against Giardia duodenalis and metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis.

Dunn LA, Andrews KT, McCarthy JS, Wright JM, Skinner-Adams TS, Upcroft P, Upcroft JA.

Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, 300 Herston Road, Brisbane, Qld 4006, Australia. Linda.Dunn@qimr.edu.au

Antiretroviral protease inhibitors were assessed in vitro for their activity against Giardia duodenalis and Trichomonas vaginalis. Kaletra (a co-formulation of ritonavir and lopinavir) was the most effective overall, with 50% effective drug concentrations (EC(50)) of 1.1-2.7 microM (ritonavir concentration) against G. duodenalis and 6.8-8 microM against metronidazole-sensitive and clinically metronidazole-resistant T. vaginalis. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were 2-2.5 microM and 10-50 microM for G. duodenalis and T. vaginalis, respectively. Within the range of human plasma concentrations for ritonavir, only G. duodenalis was inhibited. Lopinavir alone was less inhibitory than ritonavir but was associated with a blockage in cytokinesis of G. duodenalis trophozoites. Saquinavir was not effective. These findings are significant considering the association between human immunodeficiency virus and T. vaginalis, and between G. duodenalis and homosexual behaviour.

PMID: 17137752 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Drug Information

  • Ritonavir (Norvir® , Norvir® Softgel)

    Ritonavir is used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It belongs to a class of drugs called protease (pro' tee ace) inhibitors, which slow the spread of HIV infection in the body. It is usually taken w...

  • Saquinavir (Invirase® , Fortovase® )

    Saquinavir is used in combination with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Saquinavir is in a class of antiviral ...

  • Lopinavir and Ritonavir (Kaletra® )

    The combination of lopinavir and ritonavir is used with other antiviral medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Lopinavir is in a class of medic...

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