THE EFFECT OF PROPHYLACTIC MEBENDAZOLE AND ALBENDAZOLE ON CYST FORMATION IN EXPERIMENTAL PERITONEAL HYDATIDOSIS

Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the prophylactic effect of mebendazole and albendazole in experimental peritoneal hydatidosis. 45 white mice of both sexes and 21-33 days old were divided into 3 groups, each containing fifteen mice. Group 1 was Mebendazole Group in which the drug was given for the dose of 50 to 60 mgr/kg/day. Group 2 was Albendazole Group in which the drug was given a dose of 10 to 12.5 mgr/kg/day. Group 3 was the control group which received tap water. All of the drugs were given peroraly. The drugs in doses mentioned above were given for 4 days period. After 4-5 hours of the last dose of drugs given, and after the viabilty test, 0.1 ml. of the protoscolex suspension which contains approximately 1000 protoscolex in 0.1 ml were injected intraperitoneally in all groups of mice. "Spring water" was obtained from the fresh hepatic hydatid cysts of the sheep. None of the mice received any medication after the inoculation.

At the end of 8 weeks, all of the mice were sacrificed under ether anesthesia and median laparotomy was performed. The abdominal cavity was explored for any cyst presence. All of the cysts that were found were removed, counted, measured and histologically examined. The differences between the results of the groups were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U, Fisher's Chi-square, and Student's t tests. According to our findings, no difference was noticed among these 3 groups as far as the number of cysts, diameter of cysts and the number of the cases which had cysts were considered (p>0.05 for all the comparisons).

In conclusion, the administration of the drugs (50-60 mgr/kg/day mebendazol or 10-12.5 mgr/kg/day albendazol) for 4 days prior to inoculation of scolices has no effect on preventing secondary hydatidosis and cyst formation.