Statins do not reduce the parasite burden during experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Abstract

Cardiomyopathy is the most common pathology associated with Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Reports that statins have both cardioprotective and trypanocidal activity have generated interest in their potential as a therapeutic treatment. Using a highly-sensitive bioluminescent mouse model, we show that 5 days treatment with statins has no significant impact on parasite load. The free systemic concentrations fail to reach the level required for potency. Hence, clinical trials to investigate trypanocidal activity of statins lack experimental justification.