Comparative effects of parenteral antimalarials in Swiss albino mice after chronic exposure to Plasmodium berghei

Mice are considered to be a similar model to humans in the pathogenesis of malaria. This study evaluates the effect of parenteral antimalarials on the spleen and liver of Swiss albino mice after chronic exposure to Plasmodium berghei. After chronic exposure to P. berghei NK65 strain, the level of parasitemia was assessed. The mice were treated for 3 days using chloroquine (5 mg/kg), quinine (10 mg/kg), and artemether (2 mg/kg). The effect of chronic exposure and the pattern of recovery were evaluated. There was significant decrease in total body weight after chronic exposure to P. berghei (P < 0.05). An increase in total weight recovery was seen after day 15 of treatment with the antimalarials; this was more pronounced with artemether. A significant increase in liver and spleen weights due to P. berghei infection was seen. There was a recovery pattern due to decrease in liver and spleen weights following antimalarial administration, which was greatest with artemether (P < 0.05). Significant changes were more in parasitized, quinine and artemether groups (P < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in total spleen protein due to chloroquine but a decrease due to quinine and artemether (P < 0.05). No significant changes in liver and spleen albumin were observed after treatment. The highest parasite clearance was observed with artemether, followed by quinine. Five mice died after chronic exposure in all the groups prior to treatment. There was significant enlargement and discoloration of spleen and liver after chronic exposure. This study showed that artemether aided recovery of the liver and spleen better than quinine and chloroquine in albino mice after chronic exposure to P. berghei. This suggests there is potential for improvement in antimalarial therapy.