Background
Hymenolepis nana (H. nana) is the most common tapeworm infection worldwide. It
is more prevalent in warm climates where sanitation is poor, particularly among
children.
Objectives
In this work, we investigated the effect of praziquantel (PZQ), given at a dose of
25 mg/kg body weight (single dose), and essential oil of Lamiaceace family given at
a dose of 400 μl/kg body weight (for 5 days and a second course given after 1 week)
on the egg viability of experimental H. nana-infected mice (80 laboratorybred male
Swiss albino mice).
Methods
Two groups of mice were used in the study: one group received PZQ and the other
received essential oil of Lamiaceace family. The mice that received treatments were
killed after the development of the adult stage, confirmed by egg detection in stool.
Results
PZQ resulted in significant reduction in the number of viable eggs from the first day
of treatment, whereas essential oil of Lamiaceace family resulted in significant
reduction in the number of viable eggs from the third day of treatment and was
remarkable after the second course of treatment.
Conclusions
It was concluded that essential oils of Lamiaceace family have significant
anticestodal properties that enable them to be a very effective alternative to
PZQ against H. nana. |
