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Chemotherapy of experimental Echinococcus multilocularis in jirds
1Department of Parasitology, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Beerse, Belgium.
Parasitology Research
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Flubendazole and mebendazole significantly reduced Echinococcus multilocularis parasite weight in jirds. Albendazole showed moderate reduction, while praziquantel had minimal effect, with no observed side effects.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alveolar echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, is a severe parasitic disease.
- Effective chemotherapy is crucial for managing Echinococcus infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of albendazole, flubendazole, mebendazole, and praziquantel against Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes in vivo.
- To assess potential drug-related side effects during treatment.
Main Methods:
- Fifty jirds (Meriones unguiculatus) were infected with E. multilocularis metacestodes.
- Four groups of 10 jirds each received feed supplemented with 500 ppm of albendazole, flubendazole, mebendazole, or praziquantel for 35 days.
- A control group of 10 jirds received unmedicated feed.
- Parasitic tissue weight was measured at autopsy two weeks post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Flubendazole and mebendazole resulted in significant reductions in parasitic tissue weight (95% and 91%, respectively).
- Albendazole treatment led to a 72% reduction in parasitic tissue weight.
- Praziquantel showed minimal efficacy, with only a 12% reduction in parasitic tissue weight.
- No drug-related side effects were observed in any treatment group.
Conclusions:
- Flubendazole and mebendazole are highly effective against Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes in jirds.
- Albendazole demonstrates moderate efficacy, while praziquantel is largely ineffective in this model.
- These benzimidazoles represent promising therapeutic options for alveolar echinococcosis.