Nitazoxanide inhibits the replication of Japanese encephalitis virus in cultured cells and in a mouse model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has a significant impact on public health. An estimated three billion people in 'at-risk' regions remain unvaccinated and the number of unvaccinated individuals in certain Asian countries is increasing. Consequently, there is an urgent need for the development of novel therapeutic agents against Japanese encephalitis. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is a thiazolide anti-infective licensed for the treatment of parasitic gastroenteritis. Recently, NTZ has been demonstrated to have antiviral properties. In this study, the anti-JEV activity of NTZ was evaluated in cultured cells and in a mouse model.

Methods

JEV-infected cells were treated with NTZ at different concentrations. The replication of JEV in the mock- and NTZ-treated cells was examined

SUBMITTER: Shi Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3927656 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature