Efficacy of praziquantel (injection formula) in the treatment of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in laboratory rats by oral application

Abstract

In this study, the efficacy of praziquantel (injection formula) by oral administration against Hymenolepis diminuta infection was evaluated in naturally infected rats. Forty-eight naturally infected rats (Sprague Dawley) were divided into six treatment (n=6) and two control groups. In the treatment groups, praziquantel injection formula was suspended in propyleneglycol as a solvent and administered at a dosage of 0.1ml. The suspension containing 15mg⁄kg of praziquantel was given to the treatment groups orally (single dose). Fecal samples from each group were examined by the flotation technique on the 0, 4^th, 14^th and 24^th days following treatment. The rats were sacrificed on the 24^th day after treatment. According to the eggs per gram (EPG) results, the cure rate was 66.90% and 91.57% on the 4^th and 14^th day, respectively. The percentage reduction was calculated by comparing praziquantel in treatment groups with that in controls and was found to be 83.57% (according to the necropsy results). Oral administration of praziquantel is a highly effective and safe method for the treatment of H. diminuta infections in animals.