Synergistic Impact Of Ivy Leaves (Hedera Helix) Extract On The Pharmacokinetics Of Tulathromycin For Bacterial Respiratory Diseases Treatment In Goats

Caprine respiratory disease usually caused by bacterial, viral, and fungal agents resulting in great economic losses. In this study the bacteriological examination of nasopharyngeal swabs from (20) infected goats revealing the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in 35% and Mannheimia haemolytica in 15% of samples, with 50% showing mixed bacterial infections (like Staphylococcus aureus with Mannheimia haemolytica or Klebsiella spp.). Molecular analysis detected the virulence genes nuc1 and hla in all tested S. aureus isolates, while the PHSSA gene was not found in Mannheimia haemolytica strains. Tulathromycin exhibited greater antibacterial activity against Mannheimia haemolytica, with lower MIC and MBC values (1.56 mg/ml and 3.125 mg/ml, respectively), compared to S. aureus (6.25 mg/ml and 12.5mg/ml, respectively), indicating higher susceptibility of the former to this antibiotic. The twenty infected goats were assigned to two groups (10 goats in each), with Group 1 treated subcutaneously with a single 2.5 mg/kg dose of tulathromycin, while Group 2 received oral Ivy leaves extracts (IVLE) (25 ml/kg) daily for three days followed by tulathromycin administered 30 minutes after the final IVLE dose on day four. Plasma concentrations of tulathromycin were quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and evaluated via a non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis. Goats in Group 2, treated with both tulathromycin and ivy leaves extract, showed a shorter terminal half-life, lower clearance rate and higher distribution volume than those receiving tulathromycin alone. IVLE co-administration also significantly increased the drug’s AUC and Cmax, indicating enhanced systemic exposure and peak levels. These pharmacokinetic changes suggest improved bioavailability and extended antibacterial activity of tulathromycin. Combination of Tulathromycin and IVLE potentially effective therapeutic strategy for treating bacterial respiratory infections in goats.