From the Research
Buparvaquone is the recommended treatment for infections caused by Theileria parasites, including East Coast fever, corridor disease, Zimbabwe theileriosis (caused by T. parva), and tropical theileriosis (caused by T. annulata). The standard dosage is 2.5 mg/kg body weight, administered by intramuscular injection, with a second dose given 48-72 hours later if necessary, as supported by a study comparing the efficacy of parvaquone and buparvaquone for the treatment of naturally acquired East Coast fever 1. For prevention in high-risk areas, imidocarb can be used at 1-3 mg/kg. Treatment should be initiated as early as possible after diagnosis for best results. Supportive care including anti-inflammatory medications, fluids, and antibiotics for secondary infections may also be necessary. Buparvaquone is effective because it disrupts the parasite's electron transport chain, specifically targeting the cytochrome system in the parasite's mitochondria, which prevents ATP production and leads to parasite death.
Key Considerations
- The infection and treatment method is a viable option for controlling theileriosis, particularly in areas where the disease is endemic, as discussed in a review of recent research on Theileria parva 2.
- Tick management through regular application of acaricides and pasture rotation is crucial to reduce exposure to infected ticks.
- The epidemiology of theileriosis is complex, with various factors influencing the spread of the disease, including the distribution of the tick vector and the movement of cattle, as highlighted in a study on theileriosis in Zambia 3.
- Immunization against theileriosis using the infection and treatment method can provide long-lasting and solid immunity, but cross-immunity problems against some field strains remain, as noted in a review of immunization against diseases caused by Theileria parva 4.
Treatment and Prevention
- Buparvaquone is effective against Theileria parasites, with a cure rate of 90% in a study comparing parvaquone and buparvaquone for the treatment of East Coast fever 1.
- Imidocarb can be used for prevention in high-risk areas, with a dosage of 1-3 mg/kg.
- Supportive care, including anti-inflammatory medications, fluids, and antibiotics for secondary infections, may also be necessary to ensure the best possible outcome.
Control Measures
- Tick management is essential to reduce exposure to infected ticks, and can be achieved through regular application of acaricides and pasture rotation.
- The infection and treatment method can be used to control theileriosis, particularly in areas where the disease is endemic.
- A review of recent research on Theileria parva highlights the importance of considering the epidemiology of the disease, including the distribution of the tick vector and the movement of cattle, when developing control measures 2.