Work

Triclabendazole disrupts mitochondrial electron transport in vitro

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Mitochondrial respiration, which relies on succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), among other factors, is essential for cellular energy metabolism. This study shows that triclabendazole and its primary metabolites inhibit SDH in mitochondria of the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis , while other benzimidazoles do not. Similar effects were observed in mitochondria from additional helminths (trematodes, nematodes) and mammalian cells. These findings indicate a shared mode of action and highlight potential safety risks associated with long-term triclabendazole treatment in mammals.

Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy

DOI: 10.1128/aac.01756-25

Authors: Tobias Kämpfer, María Eugenia Ancarola, Pascal Zumstein, Alice Bernal, Trix Zumkehr, Seraina Mühlemann, Natalie Wiedemar, Britta Lundström-Stadelmann

Institution: University of Bern

Language: English

Topic: Mitochondrial Function and Pathology

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, Gottfried und Julia Bangerter-Rhyner-Stiftung, Uniscientia Foundation

Awards: Energy-generating pathways of the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis and their potential for novel, targeted treatments against alveolar echinococcosis, Dissecting resistance mechanisms and identifying new drug targets for the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica, G4227200163

OpenAlex ID: W7158701277

FWCI: 1.872

Cites: 27

Cited by: 1

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