Buparvaquone

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Structure of buparvaquone.png

Buparvaquone is a hydroxynaphthoquinone antiprotozoal agent used in the treatment of theileriosis, a disease caused by Theileria parasites. It is particularly effective against Theileria parva and Theileria annulata, which are responsible for East Coast fever and Tropical theileriosis, respectively.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Buparvaquone works by inhibiting the mitochondrial electron transport chain in Theileria parasites. This disruption leads to a decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which is essential for the survival and replication of the parasites.

Pharmacokinetics[edit | edit source]

Buparvaquone is administered via intramuscular injection. It has a long half-life, which allows for sustained therapeutic levels in the bloodstream. The drug is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily through bile.

Clinical Use[edit | edit source]

Buparvaquone is used in veterinary medicine to treat cattle infected with Theileria parva and Theileria annulata. It is often administered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes supportive care and management of tick populations, which are vectors for Theileria parasites.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of buparvaquone include local reactions at the injection site, such as swelling and pain. In rare cases, systemic reactions such as fever and lethargy may occur.

Resistance[edit | edit source]

There have been reports of resistance to buparvaquone in some Theileria populations. This resistance is thought to be due to mutations in the parasite's mitochondrial DNA, which reduce the drug's efficacy.

Research[edit | edit source]

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of resistance to buparvaquone and developing new antiprotozoal agents to combat resistant strains of Theileria.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD