Parasitology Research

, Volume 99, Issue 5, pp 609–621 | Cite as

Fasciola hepatica: morphological effects of a combination of triclabendazole and clorsulon against mature fluke

  • M. Meaney
  • J. Allister
  • B. McKinstry
  • K. McLaughlin
  • G. P. Brennan
  • A. B. Forbes
  • I. Fairweather
Original Paper
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

A study has been carried out to investigate the morphological effects of half-strength triclabendazole (TCBZ), half-strength clorsulon, and a combination of these two drugs against mature Fasciola hepatica. The Cullompton TCBZ-susceptible isolate was used for these experiments. Flukes were incubated for 24 h in vitro in TCBZ sulphoxide (7.5 μg/ml), clorsulon (5 μg/ml), or a combination of the two drugs. For the in vivo experiment, rats were dosed with TCBZ (6.25 mg/kg body weight), clorsulon (5 mg/kg body weight), or a combination of the two drugs and flukes recovered after 48 h. Surface changes to the flukes were assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Treatment with the combination of drugs produced greater disruption to the flukes than the individual drugs at half-strength, both in vivo and in vitro. Disruption to the tegument of the flukes induced by the individual drugs at half-strength was relatively minor and less than that caused by the drugs at full-strength. The results suggest that there are additive effects between TCBZ and clorsulon, which may be indicative of synergy: the use of drug combinations would be of value in the treatment of triclabendazole-resistant fluke.

Keywords

Ivermectin Praziquantel Abamectin Artemether Apical Plasma Membrane 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Notes

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a postgraduate studentship (to M. Meaney) from the European Social Fund and by Merial Animal Health Ltd.

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 2006

Authors and Affiliations

  • M. Meaney
    • 1
  • J. Allister
    • 1
  • B. McKinstry
    • 1
  • K. McLaughlin
    • 1
  • G. P. Brennan
    • 1
  • A. B. Forbes
    • 2
  • I. Fairweather
    • 1
  1. 1.Parasite Proteomics and Therapeutics Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology CentreThe Queen’s University of BelfastBelfastUK
  2. 2.Merial Animal Health Ltd.EssexUK

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