THE USE OF ANTIPARASITIC DRUGS AS A TREATMENT FOR COVID-19: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Objetive: Describe research related to the use of antiparasitic drugs as likely treatment in COVID-19 based on scientific literature. Methods: This is a literature review that uses two platforms as a database: Pubmed and BIREME. Were included in this study twelve published articles, from 2019 to September 2020, which referred to or were related to the use of antiparasitic drugs as a therapeutic alternative to COVID-19. Results: The antiparasitic drugs ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine (HQC), and nitazoxanide (NTZ) were the main drugs extensively studied as therapeutic alternatives for SARS-CoV-2. Ivermectin exhibited a 5000-fold reduction in SARS-CoV-2 RNA over a 48h period, at a concentration of 5μM. While HQC was able to block the entry of SARS-Cov-2 into Vero cells previously treated with 50μM. In addition, NTZ, presented an average inhibition concentration (EC50) of 2.12 μM. The mechanisms of anti-SARS-CoV-2 actions of all the drugs mentioned are not yet fully elucidated. However, it is known that the antiviral potential may be related to the inhibition of essential viral proteins (ivermectin), blockade of interaction in virus-host (HTZ), and immunosuppressant (NTZ). Conclusion: The use of antiparasitic agents for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 have shown promise. However, it is necessary to further investigate the efficacy of the drugs mentioned in this study, to obtain more satisfactory results, seeking to avoid adverse effects on patients, and ensuring safety for them.

DIVERSITY AND POPULATION STRUCTURE OF LOCAL AND EXOTIC LABLAB PURPUREUS ACCESSIONS IN KENYA AS REVEALED BY MICROSATELLITE MARKERS

Lablab purpureus is an important pulse crop in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia but has largely remained underutilized. Understanding the genetic diversity is prerequisite for genetic improvement and utilization of this leguminous crop. The relationships of the local lablab genotypes and those collected from other diverse geographic origins including the wild accessions remain unknown in Kenya. The study was undertaken to determine genetic diversity and population structure of germplasm accessions collected from Kenya and other global regions. Eight simple sequence repeat primer pairs were used to genotype the 189 lablab accessions. A total of 39 alleles were revealed by eight SSR with an average of 4.88 alleles per polymorphic loci. The average PIC was 0.42. The gene diversity among the accessions ranged from 0.26 to 0.52 with an average of 0.38, indicating moderate genetic diversity. Germplasm collected from Kenya showed a moderate genetic diversity of 0.36. Higher genetic diversity (He<0.5) was detected within the Ethiopian and South Africa populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 94% of the allele diversity was attributed to individuals within populations while only 6% was distributed among the populations. The Bayesian model-based Structure method and Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) scatter plot clustered the accessions into three groups with germplasms collected from Kenya showing distribution among all the three groups. The wild accessions clustered mainly with those from Southern and Eastern Africa confirming earlier suggestions that lablab is of African origin. The results of this study are discussed in light of the crop improvement of this crop.

Population Structure And Diversity Among Improved Cowpea Varieties From Senegal Based On Microsatellite Markers

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is used in West Africa for both human consumption and animal feeding. Despite its importance, the production of the crop is hampered by biotic and abiotic constraints. To overcome these constraints, the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA) has set up a breeding program since 1960 leading to the release of productive varieties. Information of the genetic diversity for these varieties could improve the effectiveness of further breeding programs. The objectives of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and the population structure of 11 cowpea improved varieties from ISRA collection. Twelve (12) polymorphic microsatellite markers were used and the analysis of genotypic data showed a total of 39 alleles ranging from 2 (SSR6288, SSR6311 and SSR6827) to 6 (SSR6807) per locus. Polymorphism rate ranged from 8.33% (Mougne and Kelle) to 58.33% (Mouride) with an average of 31.06%. Intra varietal genetic diversity was very weak (0.012 to 0.091). The genetic similarity revealed that Melakh and Pakau varieties were genetically the closest while Bambey 21 and Sam were the most distant. These results are confirmed by the dendrogram, which also showed that Thieye, Leona, Kelle, Sam, Mougne and Yacine varieties have a higher genetic stability than Lisard, Melakh, Pakau, Mouride and Bambey 21. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of the total variability was attributed to inter varietal variability while 17% was due to intra varietal variation. These results provide a better knowledge of genetic resources of cowpea varieties released and held by ISRA and constitute important input for further cowpea breeding programs.