In Vitro Antiparasitic Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Sarcocystis Bradyzoites.

Abstract

Background: Sarcocystis is a protozoan parasite of significant zoonotic and economic importance, primarily transmitted through the consumption of contaminated meat. Conventional antiparasitic drugs show limited efficacy and potential side effects, leading to growing interest in nanotechnology-based alternatives.

Objective: This study evaluated the in vitro antiparasitic activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Sarcocystis bradyzoites isolated from sheep.

Methods: Macroscopic cysts were collected from infected sheep muscles at the Tabriz abattoir, and bradyzoites were purified and confirmed to be viable using trypan blue staining and a bioassay in cats. The parasites were exposed to AgNP concentrations of 100, 200, 400 and 800 µg/mL for 10, 30, 60 and 120 min, in triplicate. Untreated samples (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]) and 5% NaCl (positive control) were included for comparison. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05).

Results: The results demonstrated that a dose- and time-dependent increase in mortality, ranging from 20.11% ± 2.49% at 100 µg/mL after 10 min to 59.53% ± 8.52% at 800 µg/mL after 120 min. Although silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) did not achieve complete inactivation, their significant effect compared to controls (p < 0.05) indicates moderate in vitro antiparasitic activity.

Conclusion: AgNPs exhibited measurable in vitro antiparasitic activity against Sarcocystis bradyzoites, suggesting their promise as an adjunct or alternative to traditional drugs. Further in vivo studies are recommended to assess safety, optimal dosing and practical applications in veterinary and food safety contexts.