is an enteric parasite with extensive global prevalence. Studies have linked infection with this protist with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome. Due to the polymorphic nature of , studies on the parasite could be complicated, as results can be easily misinterpreted. Metronidazole is the commonly prescribed drug for infection, although there have been increasing reports of drug resistance. Hence, there is a need to identify alternative drugs to eliminate infection. In this study, LOPAC was screened and drugs that can decrease the viability of three isolates in cultures were identified. Using apoptosis assay and imaging flow cytometry, phenotypic changes in cells after treatment were also analyzed to obtain insights into the possible mechanism of action of these drugs. Three drugs-diphenyleneiodonium chloride, auranofin, and BIX 01294 trihydrochloride hydrate-were effective against all three isolates tested. Repurposing of these drugs for treatment could be a way of combating metronidazole resistance relatively quickly and at a lower cost.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.