Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan that causes a devastating disease in immunocompromised
individuals and congenitally infected neonates or children. This study evaluated the
efficacy of early Azithromycin treatment of Toxoplasma gondii infected mice with cystogenic Me
49 non-virulent strain. Fifty laboratory-bred female Swiss albino mice were divided into 5 groups:
G1: Non-Infected, G2: Infected non-treated, G3: Infected and treated by Azithromycin 200
mg/kg at 4th day post-infection for 3 days, G4: Infected and treated by Azithromycin 200mg/kg at
4th day post-infection for 10 days & G5: Infected and treated by Spiramycin 200mgkg at 4th day
post-infection for 2 weeks, b ges were assessed
after 3 months. Treatment with Azithromycin for 10 days decreased number and size of brain
cysts by 70% & 40% respectively without significant difference with Spiramycin treated mice
that caused reduction by 74% & 50% respectively. Azithromycin treatment for 3 days caused the
least reduction by 51% & 21% respectively and Azithromycin treatment for 10 days decreased
the histo-pathological changes in cerebral toxoplasmosis. Azithromycin treatment started at 4th
day post-infection was effective than Spiramycin against T. gondii infection with a significant effect
on cysts count and size and brain pathological changes. Azithromycin treatment for 10 days
gave better effect than 3 days.