Five generations of selection with benzimidazole and non-benzimidazole anthelmintics against benzimidazole resistant strains of Haemonchus and Ostertagia spp in sheep

Benzimidazole resistant strains of Haemonchus contortus and Ostertagia spp were subjected to selection pressure over five laboratory generations with the recommended dose rates of either cambendazole, oxfendazole or morantel. A change in response, with larger residual worm burdens remaining after treatment at the fifth generation, was shown for both cambendazole and oxfendazole against both species of nematode. No change in response against either species are shown for morantel. The results are discussed in terms of the problem associated with inefficient removal of the adult parasites after treatment.

Delayed expulsion of the nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis from rats on a low protein diet: the role of a bone marrow derived component

Rats on a low protein diet, containing 10% casein as the only source of protein, have an impaired capacity to expel primary infections with the nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and remain susceptible to reinfection. In the present study, the transfer of syngeneic bone marrow cells to rats on a low protein diet reconstituted the expulsion mechanism allowing parasite rejection to occur at the same rate as rats on a sufficient diet. Serum transfer, on the other hand, did not significantly alter the rate of worm expulsion. These results demonstrate that a bone marrow derived component plays an important role in the impaired immunity of rats fed a low protein diet.

Anthelmintic efficacy of low-dose phenothiazine against strains of sheep nematodes susceptible or resistant to thiabendazole, levamisole and morantel tartrate: efficiency against sequentially administered infections

Low-dose daily phenothiazine therapy, administered as a 1:40 phenothiazine:molasses mixture, was tested against sequential infections of strains of Haemonchus contortus. Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Ostertagia spp susceptible or resistant to thiabendazole, levamisole and morantel tartrate. Phenothiazine at a dose rate of 0.5 g per sheep per day significantly reduced the numbers of worm eggs per gram of faeces in both susceptible and resistant strains by an average of 48 per cent and 60 per cent respectively. Phenothiazine completely inhibited larval production in susceptible strains. With resistant worms, larval production was depressed by up to 85.7 per cent. Treatment with phenothiazine : molasses mixture reduced the numbers of worms which became established in resistant Ostertagia spp and susceptible T colubriformis but had no effect on the establishment of susceptible H contortus and Ostertagia spp or resistant H contortus and T colubriformis.

Anthelmintic efficacy of low-dose phenothiazine against strains of sheep nematodes susceptible or resistant to thiabendazole, levamisole and morantel tartrate: effect on patent infections

The anthelmintic efficacy of low-dose phenothiazine therapy, administered as a 1:40 phenothiazine: molasses mixture, was tested against patent infections of strains of Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Ostertagia spp susceptible or resistant to thiabendazole (an other benzimidazoles), levamisole and morantel tartrate. Phenothiazine reduced faecal egg output for both susceptible and resistant strains of all three nematodes. In daily doses of 0.25 g per sheep per day and above it completely inhibited larval production in susceptible strains. Against resistant strains, there was a reduced efficiency with 82.3 per cent inhibition of egg hatch at the 0.25 g per sheep per day level. Phenothiazine treatment had no significant effect on worm numbers for either susceptible or resistant worms. It is suggested that benzimidazole-resistant strains may be cross-resistant to phenothiazine.

Changes in response of a benzimidazole resistant strain of Haemonchus contortus from sheep after passing through calves

A benzimidazole resistant strain of Haemonchus contortus was passaged through lambs only or from lambs to calves and back into lambs. Changes in response to thiabendazole were monitored by using an egg hatch test at each animal passage and by a controlled experiment on adult worms at the final passage in lambs. An increased level of resistance was shown for the isolate during its passage through calves by the egg hatch test, although this was not supported on the adult worms in sheep using a single dose rate of 66 mg/kg of thiabendazole.

Use of disophenol for the control of Haemonchus contortus in sheep in West Java, Indonesia

The result of a field trial investigating the anthelmintic effect of disophenol against H. contortus in sheep raised under Asian small farming practice is reported. it was clearly shown that a single injection of disophenol suppressed the numbers of H. contortus to very low levels for periods up to 3 months despite the presence of large populations of H. contortus infective larvae available on pasture and herbage grasses.

High performance liquid chromatographic determination of phenothiazine residues in sheep tissues

A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) technique is described for the determination of residue levels of the anthelmintic drug phenothiazine in sheep tissues. Phenothiazine was administered to sheep which were slaughtered after withholding periods of 24, 48, and 72 h. Residues of phenothiazine were then extracted from tissue samples by homogenization in methanol. The HPLC analysis of the extracts involved separation on a 10 micrometer silica column using a mobile phase of 0.3% n-propanol in cyclohexane. The lower limit of detection by ultraviolet absorption at 254 nm was 0.05 ppm.

Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Ostertagia sp resistant to levamisole, morantel tartrate and thiabendazole: infectivity, pathogenicity and drug efficacy in two breeds of sheep

Merino and Border Leicester cross Merino sheep, nine months old, were infected with 10,000 third stage larvae of both Trichostrongylus colubriformis (PF4) and Ostertagia circumcincta/O trifurcata (PF5), known to have varying degrees of resistance to levamisole, morantel tartrate and thiabendazole. Crossbred sheep carried heavier Ostertagia sp worm burdens but there was no difference in susceptibility between the two breeds of sheep to infection with T colubriformis. The anthelmintic efficacy of thiabendazole, at 50 mg/kg, against T colubriformis was 81.8 per cent and 92.4 per cent for Merinos and crossbreds respectively while levamisole, at 6.75 mg/kg, was 12.3 per cent and 18 per cent effective. Thiabendazole removed 92.3 per cent and 83.8 per cent of Ostertagia sp in Merinos and crossbreds respectively. However, worm burdens in levamisole treated sheep were not significantly different from controls. No significant breed differences were found in 24 h faecal egg outputs. It is suggested that breed differences previously described in four-month-old sheep may have been due to differences in the rate of development of immune responsiveness. This disparity was no longer detectable in the immunologically mature sheep used in this study.

Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Ostertagia sp resistant to levamisole, morantel tartrate and thiabendazole: isolation into pure strain and anthelmintic titration

Strains of Trichostrongylus colubriformis (designated PF4) and Ostertagia sp (O circumcincta/O trifurcata, designated PF5), with varying degrees of resistance to levamisole, morantel tartrate and thiabendazole were isolated into pure culture. Detailed dose response studies showed that both T colubriformis and Ostertagia sp were highly resistant to levamisole and morantel with low level resistance to thiabendazole. The effective dose required to remove 80 per cent worm burdens (ED80) was calculated for each anthelmintic. For T colubriformis the ED80 for levamisole and thiabendazole were 12.6 and 40.1 mg/kg respectively. For Ostertagia sp, the ED80 for levamisole, thiabendazole and morantel were 20.4, 45.2 and 35.8 mg/kg respectively. The implications of these results are discussed with reference to alternative means of chemical control.

The effect of route of infection on acquired resistance to Fasciola hepatica in the rat and sheep

Rats and sheep were infected with Fasciola hepatica by subcutaneous, intramuscular or oral (intraruminal--sheep) inoculation with encysted metacercariae and the development of flukes from these primary infections assessed. Additional rats and sheep similarly infected were challenged with encysted metacercariae orally (rats), or intraruminally (sheep) to assess the level of acquired resistance generated by previous infection by each of the three routes of administration. In both rats and sheep 0--5 per cent, 0--5 per cent and 20--25 per cent of metacercariae given by the subcutaneous, intramuscular or oral (intraruminal--sheep) routes were recovered as flukes in the liver four and 12 weeks after infection of rats, or 17 weeks after infection of sheep. Primary infection of rats with F hepatica by each of the three routes generated strong protection against oral challenge whereas no protection was generated in sheep, irrespective of route of infection.

The efficacy of fenbendazole and albendazole against immature and adult stages of benzimidazole-resistant sheep trichostrongylids

The efficacy of two recently introduced benzimidazole anthelmintics, albendazole and fenbendazole, was determined for six-day, 10-day and adult stages of resistant strains of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Albendazole, at 3.8 mg/kg reduced H contortus worm counts by 92.4, 70.8 and 67.1 per cent while fenbendazole, at 5.0 mg/kg, reduced worm burdens by 51.7, 95.5 and 93.4 per cent against six-, 10- and 25-day-old parasites respectively. For T colubriformis, the corresponding reductions with albendazole were 97.7, 95.8 and 64.9 per cent and for fenbendazole 29.0, 66.3 and 33.4 per cent. Compared with susceptible strains of H contortus and T colubriformis, for which therapeutic doses of benzimidazole anthelmintics are generally highly active against all stages of development, the present results show that these drugs do not have a uniform level of activity against all developmental stages of resistant strains.

Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Ostertagia circumcincta resistant to levamisole, morantel tartrate and thiabendazole: occurrence of field strains

Field strains of Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Ostertagia circumcincta, designated PF4 and PF5 respectively, were recovered from a farm on which the sole use of levamisole over a preceding 12 year period led to the development of anthelmintic resistance. The results of field observations and preliminary critical trials in both Merino and crossbred sheep showed that both species have varying degrees of resistance to three major anthelmintics; levamisole, morantel tartrate and thiabendazole. Mean worm count reductions for adult T colubriformis (PF4) for therapeutic doses of morantel tartrate, thiabendazole and levamisole in crossbreds were 45.7 per cent, 97.3 per cent and zero respectively, and for Merinos 80.7 per cent, 88.3 per cent and 92.0 per cent respectively. Against O circumcincta the corresponding reductions for crossbreds were 51.4 percent, 95.4 per cent and 20.3 per cent and for Merinos, 52.5 per cent, 73.1 per cent and 29.8 per cent. There was no statistically significant difference in the responses of both parasite species to either levamisole or morantel. This result suggests that resistance to the two chemically unrelated drugs may be co-inherited.

The effect of Taenia hydatigena infection on existing and concurrent infections of Fasciola hepatica in sheep

Sheep given a primary infection of Fasciola hepatica were challenged 18 weeks later with Taenia hydatigena or F hepatica, or both parasites together, or were not challenged. At the same time, control sheep were infected with T hydatigena and/or F hepatica separately or concurrently. All sheep were killed seven weeks after challenge and the number of cysts and flukes counted. Challenge infection with T hydatigena did not affect the numbers of flukes recovered from either primary or challenge F hepatica infections. On the other hand, the numbers of cysticerci were reduced in sheep previously infected with F hepatica but not in those given T hydatigena and F hepatica concurrently.

Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection in the rat: effect of iron and protein deficiency on the anthelmintic efficacy of mebendazole, pyrantel, piperazine, and levamisole

The benzimidazole anthelmintics mebendazole and fenbendazole have been shown to be much less effective against Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infections in the rat on a combined iron and protein deficient diet. In the present experiments it was shown that the anthelmintic efficacy of mebendazole was significantly impaired in the rat on either an iron deficient or a protein deficient diet. Furthermore, iron and protein deficiency reduced the efficacy of the anthelmintics pyrantel and piperazine but not levamisole. The finding that nutritional deficiencies reduce anthelmintic efficacy may well be relevant to worm eradication programmes in iron deficient and protein calorie malnourished populations.

The effect of iron and protein deficiency on the development of acquired resistance to reinfection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in rats

Iron and protein deficiency delays the immunological rejection of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis from the small intestine of rats undergoing a primary infection with the parasite. In the present study, iron and protein deficiency significantly reduced acquired resistance to reinfection with N. brasiliensis. Repletion of deficient animals with iron and protein restored their capacity to mount an effective immune response to a secondary infection with the parasite. These results suggest that chemotherapy of helminthiasis should be integrated with nutritional supplementation.

The effect of single and divided dose administration on the efficacy of fenbendazole against adult stages of benzimidazole resistant sheep trichostrongylids

Sheep infected with benzimidazole resistant strains of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis were used to compare the anthelmintic efficacy of fenbendazole given as a single dose or administered in a divided dose regime over five days. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two methods of administration for H contortus. On the other hand, divided dose fenbendazole was significantly less effective than single doses against adult T colubriformis at dose rates of 5 and 7.5 mg/kg. In the case of H contortus a highly significant correlation coefficient between post treatment egg counts and worm counts (r = 0.789) was obtained. This suggests that reduction in faecal egg output following drug treatment would provide a useful field indication of anthelmintic performance of fenbendazole (and possibly related compounds) against benzimidazole resistant strains of this parasite.

The dose response of several benzimidazole anthelmintics against resistant strains of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis selected with thiabendazole

Dose response lines for eight benzimidazole anthelmintics and thiophanate were determined, using standardised strains of thiabendazole selected and resistant Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Against H contortus, thiophanate, thiabendazole, parbendazole and oxibendazole were inactive. Mebendazole was inactive at dose rates of 6.26 and 12.5 mg/kg, although significant activity occurred at 25 mg/kg. Fenbendazole, cambendazole, oxfendazole and albendazole demonstrated significant activity at dose rates equal to or greater than the recommended therapeutic level. Thiophanate was inactive against resistant T colubriformis. The remaining compounds only showed significant activity when used at dose rates in excess of the recommended therapeutic level. These results show that a side resistance exists among the benzimidazole anthelmintics and suggests that changes in dose response lines could be expected to occur if resistant strains are selected with benzimidazoles other than thiabendazole.

Physiological characteristics of free-living and parasitic stages of strains of Haemonchus contortus, susceptible or resistant to benzimidazole anthelmintics

The effect of changes in genetic constitution (associated with developing benzimidazole resistance) on the physiological characteristics of Haemonchus contortus was investigated. Benzimidazole resistant H contortus were significantly more infective for sheep (20 per cent) than benzimidazole susceptible strains. Pathological changes were more severe in sheep infected with resistant H contortus as measured by packed cell volume, plasma protein concentration and haemoglobin levels. Faecal egg output was significantly higher for resistant strains as was the development and survival of eggs and free-living stages on pasture. Infective third stage larvae of benzimidazole resistant H contortus had a significantly faster exsheathment rate in rumenal fluid than did susceptible strains. These adaptive changes in response to continuing anthelmintic selection of resistant worm populations are discussed and the implications of these findings for worm control programmes indicated.

Suppression of rejection of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in iron and protein deficient rats: effect of syngeneic lymphocyte transfer

Rejection of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis is impaired in iron and protein deficient rats and this suggests that iron and protein deficiency directly or indirectly suppresses the immune response. The site of the immunological defect in deficient rats was investigated using the technique of cellular transfer of resistance. The functional activity of immune mesenteric lymph node cells obtained from iron and protein deficient donors was not depressed as measured by their capacity to cause parasite rejection in nutritionally sufficient recipients. In contrast, immune lymph node cells obtained from either sufficient or deficient donors did not result in parasite rejection in iron and protein deficient recipients. These results indicate that there is no permanent defect of lymphocyte function in iron and protein deficient rats and suggest that either some other component of the rejection mechanism is defective, or that lymphocyte function is blocked in an iron and protein deficient environment.

Helminth parasites of beef cattle in the East Kimberley and Victoria River Districts of Northern Australia

An investigation into the helminth species present in cattle in the East Kimberley and Victoria River Districts of Northern Australia was conducted over a 2-year period based on bi-monthly total and differential worm counts in weaner cattle as well as on a post mortem survey of adult cattle sent for slaughter. The most important species found in young cattle were Haemonchus placei and Cooperia spp. Only small numbers of Bunostomum phlebotomum, Nematodirus spathiger, Oesophagostomum radiatum and Moniezia benedini were present. Calicophoron calicophorum and nodules of Onchocerca spp. and Oe. radiatum were recorded in adult cattle. Seasonal fluctuations in helminth parasite burdens are discussed in relation to temperature and rainfall and the results are interpreted in relation to the effects of helminthosis on present and future beef production in this area.

The anthelmintic efficacy of non-benzimidazole anthelmintics against benzimidazole resistant strains of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in sheep

The anthelmintic efficacy of 6 non-benzimidazole compounds and thiabendazole against standardised, benzimidazole resistant strains of H. contortus and T. colubriformis in sheep was determined using a controlled test. All compounds were administered intraruminally at their recommended therapeutic dose rates and 4 of the compounds were also assessed at half their recommended therapeutic dose rates. Levimisole at a dose of 6.4 mg/kg body weight, morantel at 4.4 mg/kg and 8.8 mg/kg, naphthalophos at 6.25 mg/kg and 12.5 mg/kg, rafoxanide at 7.5 mg/kg and phenothiazine at 530 mg/kg were 98% or more effective in removing adult infections of benzimidazole resistant H. contortus. Rafoxanide at 3.75 mg/kg, phenothiazine at 265 mg/kg and carbon tetrachloride at 0.05ml/kg were less effective, removing 80%, 73% and 72% respectively of the benzimidazole resistant H. contortus worm burdens. Against the benzimidazole resistant T. colubriformis levamisole at 6.4 mg/kg, and morantel at 4.4 mg/kg and 8.8 mg/kg removed 99%, 68% and 86% respectively of the adult infections. All other anthelmintics had little or no efficacy at the dose rates tested. Thiabendazole at 44 mg/kg had no significant effect against these strains of H. contortus and T. colubriformis. Several non-benzimidazole anthelmintics have shown high efficacy in this experiment and should be suitable for treating infections with benzimidazole resistant H. contortus. Of the anthelmintics tested, only levamisole and morantel show high efficacy against benzimidazole resistant T. colubriformis.

Hydatid disease in Australia

Human hydatidosis is caused by infection with the cystic stage of the hydatid tapeworm of dogs, Echinococcus granulosus. Although the disease is entirely preventable, the prevalence of hydatidosis in Australia has not decreased since the first surveys were taken in the early part of this century. Principal reasons for this appear to be a general lack of knowledge of the life history, epidemiology and control methods for E. granulosus, coupled with ineffective community based eradication campaigns. The purpose of this paper is to briefly discuss the important facts relevant to control and eventual eradication of hydatid disease.

Nippostronglylus brasiliensis infection in the rat: effect of iron and protein deficiency and dexamethasone on the efficacy of benzimidazole anthelmintics

Malnutrition, anaemia, and gut parasites are commonly interrelated. Using the Nippostrongylus brasiliensis-rat model, the effect of iron and protein deficiency on the efficacy of benzimidazole anthelmintics was studied. It was demonstrated that the anthelmintics mebendazole and fenbendazole were significantly less effective in eradicating parasites when animals were deficient in iron and protein. This decreased efficacy of anthelmintics in iron and protein deficiency could not be overcome by intraperitoneal administration of the drug. Since nutritional deficiencies may act via impairment of the immune response, anthelmintic efficacy was determined in adequately nourished rats treated with the immunosuppressive drug dexamethasone. A similar decrease in efficacy of mebendazole was shown when these animals were treated with dexamethasone. Thus it is possible that lowered anthelmintic efficacy in iron and protein deficient animals is mediated by immune deficiency. These findings may be relevant to anthelmintic programmes in malnourished communities.

The anthelmintic efficacy of fenbendazole in the control of Moniezia expansa and Trichuris ovis in sheep

The anthelmintic efficacy of fenbendazole (methyl 5-(phenyl-thio)-2-benzimidazole-carbamate) against Moniezia expansa and Trichuris ovis was tested. At dose rates of 5 mg per kg and above, efficacies were found to be greater than 91 percent against M expansa and greater than 92 per cent against T ovis. At these dose rates efficacy on egg suppression was 100 per cent for Moniezia and greater than 97 per cent for Trichuris.

The effect of route of administration on the anthelmintic efficacy of benzimidazole anthelmintics in sheep infected with strains of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis resistant or susceptible to thiabendazole

Observations of erratic anthelmintic activity of fenbendazole against known standardised thiabendazole-resistant strains of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in sheep were investigated. Fenbendazole at a dose rate of 10 mg/kg body weight was administered by oral, intra-ruminal or intra-abomasal routes, and was most effective against both resistant strains following intra-ruminal administration. In addition thiabendazole, oxibendazole, fenbendazole, parbendazole and mebendazole plus two unrelated compounds, levamisole and morantel tartrate, were used at one and a half times their suggested or recommended therapeutic dose rate against thiabendazole-resistant strains of H contortus and T colubriformis in sheep; each drug being administered by the intra-ruminal or intra-abomasal routes. Fenbendazole was more effective against both strains following intra-ruminal administration. Parbendazole was more effective against the resistant strain of T colubriformis following intra-ruminal administration. At the dose rate chosen for the other benzimidazoles used against these resistant strains, there was no difference in anthelmintic efficacy due to route of administration. Levamisole was highly effective against both resistant strains, irrespective of the route of administration. In the groups treated with morantel tartrate, the results obtained were difficult to interpret due to mortalities and a highly variable response in the surviving sheep. Fenbendazole, thiabendazole and mebendazole when used at their suggested or recommended therapeutic dose rate in sheep, were highly effective against known thiabendazole-susceptible strains of H contortus and T colubriformis following both intra-ruminal or intra-abomasal administration.

Effect of iron and protein deficiency on the expulsion of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis from the small intestine of the rat

The relationship between iron deficiency and protein deficiency and infestation of the rat with the nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis was investigated. There was a significant delay in the expulsion of N. brasiliensis from the small intestine of both iron deficient and protein deficient animals and those with a combined deficiency of iron and protein. Iron repletion returned the time of worm expulsion to normal and this would appear to be related to iron deficiency per se rather than to anaemia. Antibody initiated damage to worms was normal in the control animals and in animals with nutritional deficiencies. This suggests that the defect in worm expulsion occurs either in the cell-mediated immune system or in one of the other mediators of expulsion. Extrapolation to the human situation has important therapeutic implications in that iron and protein deficiency may play an important role in the perpetuation of helminth infestations. Thus, to be successful antihelminth therapy should be accompanied by iron and protein supplementation.

The anthelmintic efficacy of fenbendazole against thiabendazole-resistant strains of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in sheep

The anthelmintic efficacy of fenbendazole (methyl 5-(phenylthio)-2-benzimidazole carbamate) was tested in sheep against standardised strains of Hcaemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis, known to be resistant to thiabendazole (LD90 for thiabendazole against H ontortus was 200 mg/kg bodyweight and against T colubriformis was 150 mg/kg). Fenbendazole at dose rates of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg per os reduced total worm counts in H contortus infected sheep by 66, 90 and 100 per cent respectively, with similar reductions recorded for worm egg outputs. For the thiabendazole resistant strain of T colubriformis, fenbendazole reduced total worm counts in infected sheep by 4, 44 (40-48), 79 (75-83), 96 and 100 per cent at dose rates of 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg per os. Significant suppression of worm-egg production by thiabendazole resistant T colubriformis was obtained with fenbendazole at dose levels of 5 mg/kg and above. The implications of these results are discussed in the light of the increasing occurrence of strains of trichostrongylid nematodes resistant to currently available benzimidazole anthelmintics.

Infectivity of Ancylostoma caninum larvae after freezing over liquid nitrogen

Third-stage larvae of Ancyclostoma caninum were exsheathed either by carbon dioxide or sodium hypochlorite treatment. Exsheathment per se reduced the infectivity of third-stage larvae by 45% to 59% without affecting larval motility. Both ensheathed and exsheathed larvae were frozen over liquid nitrogen for 90 days, and thawed. Frozen ensheathed larvae were all killed; but frozen exsheathed larvae were 40-54% as infective as non-frozen exsheathed larvae, and the addition of 10% dimethyl sulphoxide raised the infectivity to 89%, relative to non-frozen exsheathed larvae. Taken together, the deleterious effects of exsheathment and freezing resulted in an infectivity of 16-37%, relative to normal larvae.

Levels of prostaglandins in the small intestine of rats during primary and secondary infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis

The level of PGE is increased 10-fold in intestinal tissues during primary infection of the rat with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Peak levels (ca. 7,000 pg/cm) were assayed in the jejunal site of infection on day 7 of infection and similar levels were recorded in 'post-infection' (ileal) segments at this time. The level of PGE in 'post-infection' segments showed further increase to 12,000 pg/cm on day 10. The level of PGE also increased in 'pre-infection' (duodenal) but this was delayed by 4-5 days. The level of PGF also increased during primary infection (from about 100 to 950 pg/cm) but this occurred after expulsion. Increase in the level of PGE occurred earlier (at 3-4 days) during secondary challenge given 19 days after primary infection, but the PGE levels followed the primary response when challenge was given 10 weeks after primary infection. It is suggested that PGE plays a dual role in parasite immunity. (1) PGE may directly affect metabolism of the parasite. In this event it is also suggested that protective antibodies cause the release of PG. (2) Elevated levels of PGE act indirectly by affecting gastrointestinal function which alters the microenvironment at the site of infection. The duodenal migration of parasites may be due to this effect of PGE.

Anthropozoonotic helminthiases in Australasia: Part 3: - studies on the prevalence and public health implications of helminth parasites of dogs and cats in urban environments

Man has acquired helminth infections at different times during his evolutionary history and animals have and do serve an important role in supplementing these acquisitions. Helminth species are divided into those which accompanied man as he emerger as a species and those which he has since acquired from domestic, wild and domiciliated animals by breakdown of ecological, physiological and immunological barriers (Sprent 1969). With particular reference to helminth zoonoses transmitted through domesticated animals, the role played by dogs and cats in disease transmission to man (in urban environments) has been largely overlooked. In the Australasian region, the most important helminth zoonoses transmitted by dogs and cats in heavily urbanised areas as Toxocara sp., Ancylostoma sp. and Dirofilaria immitis. The prevalence, geographic distribution and major epidemiological considerations for each parasite are discussed with the view that future control and/or eradication programs should be based on a sound epidemiological understanding of the natural life history of the helminths concerned.

The anthelmintic efficacy of fenbendazole against a mixed nematode infection in sheep

Fenbendazole (methyl-5-(phenylthio)-2-benzimidazole carbamate) at dose rates of 5 mg/kg and above was 100 per cent effective in eliminating a naturally acquired Dictyocaulus filaria infection in sheep. The drug was 100 per cent effective in eliminating concurrent infections of adult Trichostrongylus axei, Haemonchus contortus, Haemonchus placei, Ostertagia circumcincta, Ostertagia ostertagii, Cooperia oncophora, Cooperia mcmasterii, Nematodirus spathiger, Neumatodirus filcollis, Oesophagostomum venulosum and Chabertia ovina. Fenbendazole was 93 per cent and 97 per cent effective at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg respectively in removing infection with adult T colubriformis, and post-treatment worm-egg production was completely suppressed in surviving female worms. No adverse side-effects were observed in treated sheep at either of the two dose rates used.