Effect of levamisole on toxoplasmosis during pregnancy in guinea-pigs

ABSTRACT

The effect of levamisole was tested in guinea-pigs infected with an avirulent strain of Toxoplasma gondii at mid-pregnancy and in two different doses and schedules of administration. With a small short-term dose, the pregnancy terminated rapidly with high foetal wastage, and the severity of infection in the offspring decreased. With a large long-term dose, the pregnancy protracted and the severity of infection in the offspring increased. It was concluded that, during pregnancy, small doses of levamisole cannot be used without harm in the prescribed schedules to reduce the severity of infection. On the other hand large doses are immunosuppressive and can aggravate the severity of infection in the offspring