Effect of mebendazole and ivermectin in experimental hepatic capillariasis: parasitological, scanning electron microscopy and immunological studies

ABSTRACT

In this study, mebendazole and ivermectin were tried during three different phases of C. hepatica infection. At an early phase when immature forms were present, both drugs were effective in causing destruction and degeneration of the larvae, thus, preventing subsequent growth and maturation and consequently, the complete absence of eggs. During the second phase which is found to be the most critical period, the two drugs used led to degeneration and resorption of most of adult worms. In the third phase, both mebendazole and ivermectin were effective in decreasing the mean number of eggs. After treatment, the topographic changes were in the form of disorganized cuticle of the worms and the absence of surface uniformity. Such a disorganized cuticle is vulnerable to be attacked. C. hepatica eggs showed irregularities and longitudinal grooves indicated shrinkage of the shell. The effect of the two drugs indicated that both of them were effective in the treatment of hepatic capillariasis