Presumptive albendazole toxicosis in 12 alpacas

Albumin nanostructure assisted ABZ anti-parasite immune therapy for T. spiralis muscle infection

Currently, the treatment of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) intracellular infection by oral administration of albendazole (ABZ) is hampered by its poor aqueous solubility and rapid metabolism. Herein, the nanoparticles with BSA and ABZ (ABZ-BSA Nps) were constructed by a desolvation technique in the study. The anti-parasite activity and pharmacokinetics of ABZ-BSA Nps were evaluated for T. spiralis muscle larvae during the encysted phase. The immune-responsive cytokines of ABZ-BSA Nps were quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that ABZ-BSA Nps could eliminate the muscle larvae by triggering the unbalance of Th1/Th2 immune-response in the infection mice. For ABZ-BSA Nps treatment group, the plasma concentration of ABZSO (ABZ active metabolite) was higher than ABZ and the muscle larvae were reduced by 70.2 %. In conclusion, the study had constructed a successful prospective protein nanoparticle delivery ABZ and evidenced the ABZ could be used for intracellular parasite therapy by triggering the anti-parasite immunity of hosts.

Enteropathy and bone marrow hypoplasia associated with presumptive albendazole toxicosis in a juvenile Boer goat

Albendazole is a widely used anthelmintic drug that is labeled for the treatment of specific nematodes and flukes in ruminants. Albendazole is approved for the treatment of liver flukes in goats (10 mg/kg PO for a single dose), but is commonly used extra-label in situations in which parasite resistance is an issue. Albendazole toxicosis has been reported in pigeons, doves, alpacas, humans, dogs, and cats. Here we report an adverse event in a 6-mo-old goat associated with extra-label use of albendazole (35.7 mg/kg PO daily for 3 d). Clinicopathologic findings included severe diarrhea and death, with small intestinal crypt necrosis and dysplasia, and severe bone marrow hypoplasia. Microbial and molecular testing and transmission electron microscopy ruled out infectious organisms. The described pathologic changes are similar to those reported in other species that have experienced toxicosis associated with albendazole. To our knowledge, bone marrow and intestinal lesions associated with albendazole use in the goat have not been reported previously. Veterinarians should be aware of potential adverse events and toxicoses associated with anthelmintic drugs, especially as parasite resistance increases, and extra-label usage, and the use of such drugs without veterinary supervision, becomes more common.

Acute fasciolosis in an alpaca: a case report

Background

The popularity of new world camelids, particularly alpacas, is growing rapidly in Ireland, presenting a clinical challenge to veterinary practitioners who may not have worked with these species previously. To the authors’ knowledge, the clinical course of a case of acute fasciolosis in an alpaca has not previously been reported, and fasciolosis has not been reported at all in alpacas in Ireland, making this case report a valuable addition to the current literature.

Case presentation

A three-year-old male castrated huacaya alpaca was admitted to UCD Veterinary Hospital with a two-day history of colic and tenesmus. He had been treated with albendazole, dexamethasone and potentiated amoxycillin by the referring veterinary practitioner with no response. On initial clinical exam, sensitivity to abdominal palpation was the only abnormality. However, the alpaca proceeded to show abnormal lying positions, tenesmus and reduced faecal output over the next 24 h. A general blood panel demonstrated moderate anaemia, marked hyperglobulinaemia and moderately increased hepatocellular and hepatobiliary enzyme activity. Abdominal radiography revealed enlargement of the first forestomach compartment without evidence of gastrointestinal obstruction or peritonitis. An abdominal ultrasound exam revealed an elongated, heterogenous mass in the caudoventral abdomen that appeared to be contiguous with the liver. FNA of this mass revealed that it was in fact a liver lobe with biliary stasis and inflammation. Faecal sedimentation demonstrated Fasciola hepatica eggs. In spite of treatment with triclabendazole and supportive treatment including blood transfusion, the alpaca’s condition continued to deteriorate and he was euthanised. On post-mortem exam, acute fasciolosis was diagnosed.

Conclusions

The clinical presentation and course of a case of acute fasciolosis in an individual alpaca is described, including the results of a range of diagnostic tests that were carried out. The final diagnosis is supported by a description of post-mortem findings. This information will serve as a resource for veterinary practitioners involved in the diagnosis and treatment of similar cases.

Alopecia a potential adverse side effect of albendazole use in alpacas

Albendazole is a benzimidazole derivative with anthelmintic activity. It is the treatment of choice for fasciolosis. The use of albendazole in South American camelids is common, however, there are no studies about the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of albendazole in alpacas and llamas. In the present study, a case of fiber loss (alopecia) in alpacas is described because of the suspected use of a high dose of albendazole. In a fasciolosis control program of an alpaca ranch located in the district of Nuñoa in Puno, Peru, 2184 alpacas were oral treated with albendazole (35-40 mg/kg). After 2 weeks of treatment the alpacas began to show loss of fiber in the abdomen, flanks and neck. The alpacas showed no other sign of disease. The alpacas recovered their fiber after 6 months. We suggest studies are needed to determine the safe dose of albendazole in alpacas.

Nanoformulations of albendazole as effective anticancer and antiparasite agents

Initially emerging as a widely used clinical antiparasitic drug, albendazole (ABZ) has been increasingly recognized as an effective anticancer agent due to its outstanding advantage, in other words, low toxicity to normal cells but high effectiveness against parasites and some tumors. The major challenge is its poor water solubility and subsequently low bioavailability. This article thus first reviews the brief achievements in using ABZ to treat parasites and cancers, and summarizes the basic mechanisms of action of ABZ. Then this article critically reviews recent nanotechnological strategies, in other words, formulating/conjugating it with carriers into nanoformulations, in practices of improving aqueous solubility and efficacy in treatment of tumors and parasites. Our expert opinions in this field are provided for more effective delivery of ABZ to treat tumors and parasites in vivo.

Llamas and alpacas in Europe: Endoparasites of the digestive tract and their pharmacotherapeutic control

There are distinctive specifications for veterinary medical care of South American camelids (SACs), namely, llamas, alpacas, vicunas and guanacos. Camelids are classified as food-producing animals, but as veterinary medicinal products are often only licensed for domestic food-producing species such as horses, goats, sheep and cattle, treatment of SACs generally requires off-label use of drugs. Endoparasitism is a major health concern in camelids and can result in severe clinical diseases and economic losses. There is still a lack of work on the pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy for most antiparasitic drugs used in SACs. Even when choosing an appropriate route of administration, several aspects must be considered such as the fact that pour-on formulations are largely ineffective in camelids due to the unique features of llama and alpaca skin and hair that result in extremely low drug bioavailability. This review focuses on the main endoparasites of the digestive tract in llamas and alpacas in Europe and pharmacotherapeutic options based on current knowledge.

Plasma concentrations of fenbendazole (FBZ) and oxfendazole in alpacas (Lama pacos) after single intravenous and oral dosing of FBZ

The objective of this study was to determine plasma pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of fenbendazole (FBZ) and oxfendazole (OFZ) after intravenous (iv) and oral administrations of FBZ (5 mg/kg) to alpacas. Plasma concentrations of FBZ and OFZ after administration of FBZ iv and orally (5 mg/kg) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Total clearance (CL) of FBZ was 16.5±4 mL/kg/min (range: 4–31 mL/kg/min), and steady-state volume of distribution (Vd_ss) was 3.3±1 L/kg (range: 1.7–7.4 L/kg). The terminal phase half-life of FBZ after iv administration was 5.9±3.8 hours (range: 0.8–20 hours). After oral administration, the FBZ terminal phase half-life was 23±5 hours (range: 9–37 hours) and the systemic bioavailability of FBZ was 16%±6% (range: 1%–41%). Peak FBZ concentrations after oral administration were 0.13±0.05 µg/mL (range: 0.05–0.28 µg/mL) at 10 hours (range: 8–12 hours). Peak plasma OFZ concentrations after oral dosing with FBZ (5 mg/kg) were 0.14±0.05 µg/mL (0.05–0.3 µg/mL) at 24±7 hours (range: 12–48 hours). FBZ clearance is lower in comparison to that of other species. Systemic availability of FBZ after oral administration is low after oral dosing. Metabolites of FBZ produced by alpacas are similar to those observed in other species.