RIFAPENTINE IS ACTIVE IN-VITRO AND IN-VIVO AGAINST TOXOPLASMA-GONDII

Rifapentine, a derivative of rifamycin, was examined for its in vitro and in vivo activities against the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondi i. The drug inhibited the intracellular replication of parasites and w as not cytotoxic for the host cells at inhibitory concentrations, Mice infected either intraperitoneally with tachyzoites of the RH strain o r orally with tissue cysts of the C56 strain were protected against de ath by treatment with rifapentine. The degree of protection was simila r to that induced by atovaquone and apparently higher than that induce d by rifabutin. Rifapentine may be a useful drug for the treatment of toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised individuals.