In Vitro Effects of Novel Ruthenium Complexes in Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites

Upon the screening of 16 antiproliferative compounds against Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, two hydrolytically stable ruthenium complexes (compounds 16 and 18) exhibited 50% inhibitory concentrations of 18.7 and 41.1 nM (T. gondii) and 6.7 and 11.3 nM (N. caninum). To achieve parasiticidal activity with compound 16, long-term treatment (22 to 27 days at 80 to 160 nM) was required. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the rapid impact on and ultra-structural alterations in both parasites. These preliminary findings suggest that the potential of ruthenium-based compounds should thus be further exploited.