Cobalt sequestration

Because parasites are dependent on the host cell for nutrients and essential components, the arguments mentioned previously for alteration of the optimal metal concentration and its application to antibacterial and antiviral therapy are equally valid in the case of parasites. The sequestration of zinc and subsequent biochemical effects may present an example of this and the behaviour is somewhat reminiscent of the early and classic demonstration of the mode of action of 8-hydroxyquinoline (oxine). This reagent is also trypanocidal and, as with bacterial systems, cobalt protects against the lethal action [88]. The mode of action of oxine is presumably the same as for bacteria (see Chapter 9). Other chelating agents studied in... 

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