Tolerability of Atovaquone—Proguanil Application in Common Buzzard Nestlings

Abstract

Differences in drug tolerability among vertebrate groups and species can create substantial challenges for wildlife and ex situ conservation programmes. Knowledge of tolerance in the use of new drugs is, therefore, important to avoid severe toxicity in species, which are both commonly admitted in veterinary clinics and are of conservation concern. Antimalarial drugs have been developed for use in human medicine, but treatment with different agents has also long been used in avian medicine, as haemosporidian infections play a major role in many avian species. This study investigates the effects of the application of atovaquone–proguanil (Malarone®, GlaxoSmithKline) in common buzzards (Buteo buteo). The potential effects of treatment on body condition, growth rate, and chemical blood parameters of nestlings were assessed. All individuals survived the treatment, and no effects on body condition, growth rate, and chemical blood parameters were observed. Our results suggest the tolerability of Malarone® in common buzzards at a single dose of on average 11 mg/kg body weight. For its safe use, we recommend further studies to determine pharmacokinetics in different avian species as well as to assess the effects of repeated treatment.

A Safe and Effective Atovaquone-Proguanil Therapeutic Protocol for the Treatment of Avian Malaria by Plasmodium relictum in Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)

“…Conversely, data about the safety of AV/PH in other animals, and especially birds, are scarce. A recent study carried out on buzzard nestlings evidenced no relevant side effects at doses up to 15/6 mg/kg AV/PH [55]. A previous study hypothesized that AV/PH treatment might induce behavioral modifications, increasing the risk of nest abandonment, but the same authors were doubtful about the association with the pharmacological therapy [56].…”

Effect of Ciklavit® - (A Poly-Herbal Formulation) on the Pharmacokinetics of Proguanil in Healthy Nigerian Volunteers

“…In combination with proguanil, the ability of atovaquone to inhibit parasitic mitochondrial electron transport is markedly enhanced and its tolerability has been proven. 6,7 Malaria and Sickle cell have been a common associated disease. Sickle cell anaemia is a major component within haemolytic anaemias; occurs more often among people from parts of the world where malaria is common.…”