Methods of treating infectious diseases

Abstract

The present invention provides methods of treating a human or other mammal infected with a parasitic microorganism by administering an effective amount in unit dosage form of a C 8 -C 16 -alpha, beta-unsaturated aliphatic aldehyde, such as trans-2-dodecenal, to the human or other mammal. The parasitic microorganisms may include trypanosomes, bacteria, fungi and nematodes.

1 . A method of treating a mammal for a parasitic nematode selected from the group consisting of  Parastrongyloides trichosuri, Haemonchus contortus  and  Ancylostoma caninum,  comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a C 8 -C 16 -alpha, beta-unsaturated aliphatic aldehyde to said mammal. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , comprising employing said method to treat a mammal which is infected with or is believed to be infected with said parasite. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said therapeutically effective amount is in a unit dosage form. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said C 8 -C 16 -alpha, beta-unsaturated aliphatic aldehyde is C 10 -C 14 -alpha, beta-unsaturated aliphatic aldehyde. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said C 8 -C 16 -alpha, beta-unsaturated aliphatic aldehyde is trans-2-dodecenal. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said mammal is a human. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said trans-2-dodecenal is isolated from plant sources selected from the group consisting of  Eryngium foetidum  and  Coriandrum sativum.    
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the route of administration of C 8 -C 16 -alpha, beta-unsaturated aliphatic aldehyde is selected from the group consisting of oral, parenteral and topical. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said route of administration is a parenteral route selected from the group consisting of intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the unit dosage is administered orally in the form of hard or soft shell gelatin capsules, tablets or lozenges.