Anthelmintic Research Articles

An individual may be predisposed to infection with hookworms through various activities that bring them into contact with filariform larvae in soil. Parasite control programs that rely on mass drug administration (MDA) over prolonged periods using the same antihelmintic drugs would exert selection pressure on hookworm populations and favour the development of drug resistance. This cross-sectional study was conducted to detect benzimidazole resistance genes and assess risk factors of hookworm infection among HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 526 stool samples were collected and analysed for hookworm eggs using wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Specimens confirmed to be hookworm-positive by microscopy were further subjected to molecular analyses on Real-Time qPCR. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to each participant to obtain information on risk factors. The result showed an overall prevalence of 6.46%; with 3.62% and 10.36% for HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients, respectively. Subjects who arrived at their farms before sunrise recorded higher hookworm prevalence (9.63%) compared to those who arrived at their farms after sunrise (2.30%). Also, subjects who conduct farm activities barefoot had a higher hookworm prevalence (7.99%), while those who wear footwear had a lower prevalence (3.07%). Again, subjects who had never been dewormed had a higher hookworm prevalence (20.93%); while those who were dewormed less than 6 months ago had a lower prevalence (1.85%). A statistically significant association was found to exist between hookworm infection and these risk factors at P ≤ 0.05. Out of the 34 samples positive by microscopy for hookworms, 16 were confirmed to be Necator americanus on qPCR. However, 5 out of the 16 samples were from HIV-positive patients, while 11 were from HIV-negative patients. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in 2 samples on codons 167 and 200. The occurrence of these SNPs was found only among HIV-negative patients. In conclusion, the detection of SNPs suggests that mutant genes associated with benzimidazole resistance are circulating in hookworms in Plateau State, Nigeria.

A review of current and potential applications of macroalgae to equine veterinary science.

Niclosamide, a well-known anthelmintic drug used against parasitic infections, has gained attention for its potent anticancer and antibacterial activity. However, the use of niclosamide remains limited due to its highly hydrophobic nature and low systemic bioavailability. To address these limitations, we developed a biocompatible drug delivery system to combat the challenges of niclosamide usage. We fabricated niclosamide-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) composite nanofibers and investigated their anticancer and antibacterial applications. Here, PEO enhances drug diffusion and bioavailability, while PCL provides biodegradability and controlled drug release properties. Four different compositions of PEO-PCL nanofibers were synthesized and infused with niclosamide. The synthesized nanofibers were thoroughly characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, confirming successful drug incorporation. To test the functionality of fabricated nanofibers, we examined the antibacterial properties using a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum killing concentration (MKC). Interestingly, these nanofibers have a significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) but not against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative), suggesting selective action. Furthermore, we assessed the anticancer potential of drug-loaded nanofibers in HeLa cells using a cell cytotoxicity assay. A marked decrease in cell viability was observed when the cells were treated with niclosamide-loaded nanofibers. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that niclosamide-loaded PEO-PCL nanofibers are a promising and efficient drug delivery system with potential applications in antimicrobial and anticancer therapies.

AimGoats are a crucial livestock resource for smallholder communities, providing significant livelihood support. However, abomasal nematode parasites in these animals are a major contributor to health problems and productivity losses. This study identified and quantified abomasal nematodes in slaughtered goats, assessed drug usage practices, and evaluated anthelmintic resistance in the Arba Minch Zuria district.Methods and ResultsA cross-sectional and laboratory-based experimental study design was used to collect data from October 2023 to August 2024 through structured questionnaires, postmortem worm recovery techniques, and in vitro drug resistance assays. Accordingly, of 120 examined goat abomasa, 108 (90%) harbored at least one nematode species. Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta, and Trichostrongylus axei were the worm species identified as sole (21%) or mixed infections (79%). The mean burden of H. contortus (757.5) was significantly higher than that of Teladorsagia circumcincta (415.8) and Trichostrongylus axei (363.3) (p < 0.05). Animals' sex, age, and body condition significantly influenced the mean burden of abomasal nematode infection (p < 0.001). The survey results reveal the majority of respondents (80%) used albendazole bolus to control parasitism in goats. In vitro assays on H. contortus showed that this drug significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited egg hatching in a dose-dependent manner, with a maximum rate of 97.9% at 60 μg/μL. The minimum concentration of albendazole that inhibits 50% of egg hatching and embryonation (IC50) was 0.0096 μg/μL. Additionally, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of H. contortus larval motility observed for ivermectin, with a predicted IC50 of 0.257 μg/μL. Moreover, the inhibition of larval motility by tetramisole hydrochloride did not significantly vary among different concentrations, with an expected IC50 value of 0.00068 μg/μL.ConclusionThe high burden of H. contortus in the abomasum of slaughtered goats indicates its endemic nature in the area. The higher IC50 value for ivermectin suggests a risk of ivermectin resistance in the study area. Therefore, caprine haemonchosis, teladorsagiosis, and trichostrongylosis should be considered during clinical procedures, and combining anthelmintic treatments, creating farmer awareness, and rotating anthelmintic drugs can help reduce the risk of ivermectin resistance.

Disclosure: A.P. Jackson: None. H.S. Bose: None.In the United States a large number of women die due to breast cancer mostly because of environmental factors and genetic predispositions which cannot be avoided due to varying social issues. Breast cancer is usually hormonally regulated where receptors like Estrogen (Er+), Progesterone (Pr+), and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (Her2-) expression are associated with tumorigenesis. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC, Er-/Pr-/Her2-) minimally expresses these receptors or remains absent in these patients resulting in high mortality. TNBC patients are usually ineffective against chemotherapies. We identified and cloned a cDNA coding for a 22-kDa protein expressing in unaffected and affected breast tissue, Aromatase Interacting Partner in Breast (AIPB). Next, we subcloned AIPB in a vector under the control of Tet promoter and developed a stable MDA-MB-231-AIPB cells to have a uniform expression upon induction with tetracycline. Antihelminth drug Pyrvinium pamoate (PvR) is used to reduce various cancers including TNBC and its interaction with AIPB are of interest. AIPB expression is maximal in TNBC and minimal in unaffected breast tissue. We hypothesize that AIPB expression is directly proportional to Estradiol synthesis. Therefore, following induction of TNBC MDA-MB-231 stable cells with doxycycline, AIPB should decrease in Estradiol synthesis with a reduction in AIPB expression. We incubated these stable cells with and without doxycycline with 50,000-fold difference in concentrations of PvR (1.0 ng to 50,000 ng) for 48 hours and determined its effects by measuring a change in Estradiol synthesis by radioimmunoassay (RIA). We also determined AIPB expression by Immunoblotting with a cholesterol trafficker (CT) antibody, because 42 amino acids of AIPB have amino acid identity with the CT protein. We observed a decrease in Estradiol synthesis when the cells were induced with increasing concentrations of PvR in the presence of Doxycycline. Furthermore, we observed the lowest expression of Estradiol after induction with 10.0 microgram of PvR. Immunoblotting of the PvR induced cells in presence of doxycycline showed increased AIPB expression from 1.0 ng up to 20.0 microgram, followed by decrease in expression. We conclude AIPB expression and Estradiol synthesis is directly related in TNBC and AIPB is possibly a key role of aromatase independent Estradiol synthesis.Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

This study evaluated the safety and tolerance of the anthelmintic drug Supramil® emulsion in pregnant and lactating queens. The formulation represents a novel liquid preparation containing a combination of R-praziquantel (levorotatory optical isomer) and milbemycin oxime. Unlike products containing racemic praziquantel, the use of the active enantiomer enables a 50 % reduction in cestocidal dose while improving the safety profile to hazard class IV (practically non-toxic) according to GOST 12.1.007-76. The objective was to assess tolerance of the drug at a triple therapeutic dose (7.5 mg/kg R-praziquantel and 6.0 mg/kg milbemycin oxime, equivalent to 1.5 mL/kg) administered orally once weekly throughout 9 weeks of gestation and 8 weeks of lactation. Twelve healthy non-breed queens (age 18…24 months, body weight 3.5…3.9 kg) were randomly allocated to treatment (n=6) or control (n=6) groups. Following quarantine, vaccination, and ectoparasite treatment at a boarding facility, queens were bred with three proven healthy toms; pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography at 21±3 days after cessation of estrous behavior. The treatment group received Supramil® emulsion weekly during gestation and lactation; controls received vehicle without active ingredients. Clinical parameters, body weight, hematological and biochemical profiles, adverse events, parturition, and kitten development (n=43) were monitored. Result showed no clinically and statistically significant differences between groups in behavior, appetite, body weight, hemoglobin, erythrocyte counts, leukograms, or biochemical markers (p&gt;0.05). No adverse events occurred. Gestation length (mean 61–62 days), parturition (uncomplicated), and reproductive parameters (3.5…3.67 live kittens per litter, zero mortality) were comparable (p=0.619; 0.575). Kittens (age 2…56 days) exhibited normal neurological, musculoskeletal, and growth development. These findings confirm that Supramil® emulsion at the recommended single-dose regimen is safe for use in pregnant and lactating queens, demonstrating excellent tolerance even with repeated administration at a triple therapeutic dose.

Abstract Background Antimicrobials and anthelmintics are among the most used veterinary drugs for the treatment and prevention of animal diseases. However, information on antimicrobial usage in food animals remains limited in communities of southern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the handling and management practices, sources, and usage of veterinary drugs among food animal producers and veterinary practitioners in the Wolaita Zone. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted between May and August 2021. A pre-tested questionnaire, comprising three sections and a total of 50 questions, was used to collect data from purposively selected 101 veterinary professionals and 149 animal owners. Results This preliminary survey revealed that the distribution of antimicrobials and anthelmintic drugs is inadequate, with limited sources and a wide range of trade names, primarily imported from a few manufacturing countries. Among the veterinary drugs available in the district, those manufactured in and imported from China were the most widely distributed in veterinary drug stores. The study also identified inappropriate transportation and storage conditions. Furthermore, critical and unethical practices were observed, including the sale of drugs without a prescription, failure to advise animal owners on drug withdrawal periods, and the administration of veterinary drugs by non-professionals. Antimicrobials (60.86%) and anthelmintics (39.14%) were the most commonly available and frequently used drugs for the treatment of musculoskeletal, integumentary, digestive, respiratory, reproductive, and systemic diseases. Conclusion This study revealed the presence of inappropriate handling and management practices, a limited diversity of veterinary drugs, and insufficient attention by the veterinary profession to proper drug handling in the study area, all of which may compromise drug quality, safety, and effectiveness. Therefore, continuous awareness programs for food animal producers, capacity building and training for veterinary professionals, routine drug quality assessments, and the strict regulation and enforcement of drug control and administration are strongly recommended.

Albendazole (ABZ) is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug whose residual presence in food and the environment raises public health concerns, requiring rapid and sensitive methods of detection. In this work, a sensitive Fabry–Pérot interferometer (FPI) probe was fabricated by realizing a cavity located at the tip of a single-mode optical fiber core with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for ABZ detection. The fabrication process involved the development of a photoresist-based micro-hole filled by the specific MIP via thermal polymerization. Interferometric measurements obtained using the proposed sensor system have demonstrated a limit of detection (LOD) of 27 nM, a dynamic concentration range spanning from 27 nM (LOD) to 250 nM, and a linear response at the nanomolar level (27 nM–100 nM). The selectivity test demonstrated no signal when interfering molecules were present, and the application of the sensor for ABZ quantification in a commercial pharmaceutical sample provided good recovery, in accordance with bioanalytical validation standard methods. These results demonstrate the capability of a MIP layer-based FPI probe to provide low-cost and selective optical-sensing strategies, proposing a competitive approach to traditional analytical techniques for ABZ monitoring.

Simple SummaryThis study compared gastrointestinal (GI) parasite frequencies and shedding in beef cattle kept at conventional and holistic management farms in Alentejo, Portugal. Ninety-five faecal samples were analysed using parasitological techniques. Strongyles were the most frequent GI parasites (92.6%), followed by coccidia (38.9%) and Strongyloides spp. (10.5%). Although parasite frequency and egg shedding differed significantly between management systems, all animals had low infection levels. The results from this study suggest that holistic management may be an alternative and sustainable solution for parasite control in cattle farms.Cattle are commonly affected by gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, which impact their welfare and productivity. Alternative management practices are currently being applied in several livestock farms worldwide to minimise or avoid the use of anthelmintic drugs on livestock in an unsustainable way. This study aimed to compare the presence of GI parasites between conventional and holistic management farms in Alentejo, Portugal. Between January and April 2024, a total of 95 faecal samples were collected from adult female beef cattle belonging to four conventional management farms and four holistic management farms. Parasitological diagnosis included the Mini-FLOTAC method, Willis flotation, natural sedimentation, modified Ziehl–Neelsen technique, and faecal cultures. Higher egg shedding levels were found at holistic management farms, and strongyles were the most frequent GI parasites (92.6%). In addition, Oesophagostomum spp. (37%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (32%) were the most frequent genera, although no significant differences were found between the two management systems. Moreover, animals from both groups presented low shedding values (<200 eggs per gram of faeces, EPG). These preliminary results allow us to suggest that adopting holistic management practices may be a sustainable solution for the control of GI parasite infections in cattle farms.

In recent years, the herbal medicines have been extensively used in various diseases because of their safety profile. Helminthic infections are the most common infection in human beings affecting a large Proportion of the world's population. Anthelmintic drugs are the drugs. Which are used to kill or reduce the number of helminthic parasites in the intestinal tract or Tissues of the body. Moringa oleifera belonging to the moringaceae family is a highly valued Plant, distributed in many countries of the tropical and subtropical. The standard drugs such as piperazine citrate, albendazole mebendazole and thiabendazole possess some side effects Such as nausea, vomiting, stomach and abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and temporary Hair loss etc. But the herbal drug shows fewer side effects. The plant which shows muscle Relaxant property may also shows antihelminthic activity. So we have selected Moringa Oleifera which is an herbal drug and shows muscle relaxant property. Hence the present study was undertaken for phytochemical evaluation and to test the antihelminthic activity of Methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera seed. Preliminary phytochemical investigation indicates the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, carbohydrates and tannins. Indian Adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) were used to study antihelminthic activity. Various concentrations of extracts were tested and results were expressed in terms of time for paralysis and time for death of worms. Albendezol(20mg/ml) was used as a reference standard and distilled water as a Control group [1].

Praziquantel (PZQ) is an anthelmintic agent used worldwideforthe treatment of schistosomiasis. PZQ is used as a racemate, and itis practically insoluble in water. The PZQ racemate is a white tonearly white crystalline powder, and few studies showed a color changefrom white to pink. However, no special attention has been given tothis matter. The present study aimed at a comprehensive understandingof PZQ change in color because a significant impact on its dissolutionwas observed. We discuss a series of analytical techniques, and weemphasize the importance of understanding solid state properties togetherwith the conventional quality control evaluation. Two batches of PZQraw material with different colors (white and light pink) were used.The dissolution profiles of the samples and the wettability were significantlydifferent, and in addition, the pink color sample, when it came intocontact with an acid medium, turned white. Because of these results,the presence of another phase in the pink sample was investigatedand confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. We were able to isolatethe unknown phase for the first time, and with the characterizationusing Raman, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance, we proved thatthe pink color was related to an impurity with low crystallinity.It was observed through microscopy that this impurity with low crystallinityafter the contact with the acid medium crystallizes, causing the pinkcolor to turn white. Also, we showed that depending on the HPLC method,this impurity cannot be detected, which is critical for quality control.

Abstract The management of gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) in organic sheep is a challenging issue as chemical anthelmintic drugs is prohibited use in organic production. This trial was to evaluate the high protein and energy feed supplementation effect on the GIP status in post-lactation ewes. The five-acre pasture paddock was subdivided into one acre grazing plots by an electric flexi net fence. Thirty mixed-age ewes were selected and divided into five subgroups each with six ewes and grazed on one-acre plots for four weeks respectively, with dry hay and water supply at libitum. The experimental use of animals in this trial was approved by Lincoln University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC21-6). The organic grain feed mixture was purchased locally (Peterson Organic Feeds, MO) and fed in groups on troughs within grazing plots daily. Organic grain supplemental level was defined and assigned as control (TC, 0/d), low (T1, 227 g/d), moderate (T2, 340 g/d), moderate high (T3, 454 g/d), and high-level supplementation (T4, 567 g/d) groups. Animal growth and production performance traits were recorded for live weight (LW, kg), average daily gain (ADG, g/d), body condition score (BCS, 1-5), FAMACHA® score (FMS, 1-5), fecal egg count (FEC/g), hematocrit (HCT%) and ultrasound scanned back fat depth (BFD, mm), loineye muscle death (LED, mm) and loineye muscle area (LEA, cm²). The carcass traits were measured live on longissimus dorsi muscle over the 12-13th ribs of animals using an ultrasonographic equipment (ExAgo) fitted on a linear transducer. Means of LW, BFD, ADG, and LEA were significantly increased for organic grain supplemental groups over animals in control group (P&amp;lt; 0.05). The organic grain supplementation has decreased FEC (P&amp;lt; 0.05) in supplemental group animals (T1, T2, T3, T4) from the prior feeding (day 0) to the end of supplementation (day 28) whereas, animals in control group (T0) have shown remaining as initial fecal egg count status. The result indicated that a short-term supplementation of high protein and energy feeds enhance GIP resilience in post-lactation ewes and production performance.

Haemonchosis is among the leading nematodosis of ruminants, particularly in sheep, with important economic losses. During the last decades, several approaches using anthelminthic drugs were conducted with a continuously decreasing success. Nowadays, it is well established that Haemonchus contortus is resistant to the three classes of anthelmintics in several countries. Currently, the approaches of grazing management and the use of alternative natural compounds are also implemented to control these infections. The present study aimed to evaluate the activity of the ethanolic extract of the seeds of Cucumis melo on H. contortus. For this purpose, the seeds were extracted in a 70% ethanol solution. The obtained powder was solubilized in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) at various concentrations (0 to 3.75 mg/mL) to which the assessed stages were submitted. The activity (mortality and egg hatching inhibition) was monitored at different time points (0, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h). The extract was active on diverse stages in a concentration-dependent manner. In adult females, a 100% mortality rate was reached after 24h with an LC50 of 0.5 ±0.09 mg/mL, which was significantly weaker than the levamisole control (0.33 ±0.02 mg/mL). The effect on larval migration was similar to the conventional drug effect, with IC50 values of 1.71 ± 0.10 mg/mL and 1.74 ± 0.25 mg/mL, respectively, for extract and levamisole. On larvae, the lethal activity was very similar in the presence of either levamisole or seeds extract, with an IC50 value of 0.86 ± 0.25 mg/mL and 1.19 ± 0.25 mg/mL, respectively. A qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed that the assessed extract contains alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and triterpenes. The hydro-ethanolic extract of the seeds of C. melo did not induce any sign of toxicity in mice at the dose of 2000 mg/kg. Altogether, this extract is a good source of anthelminthic chemical compounds, especially those active on larval migration and egg hatching. Key-Words: Cucumis melo seeds, Anthelminthic, Haemonchus contortus, levamisole.

The impact of helminthiases on global health for bothhumans andanimals and the limited efficacy of existing drugs against these infectionsreinforces the urgent need for novel anthelmintic agents. On thisbackground, in previous work we identified cinnarizine, a first-generationantihistamine, as effective anthelmintic agent against Angiostrongylus cantonensis first-stage larvae (L1)in vitro. A. cantonensis worm is thecausative agent of neuroangiostrongyliasis, a condition that leadsto eosinophilic meningitis with no effective treatment to date. Inthe present work, modifications on cinnarizine structure were designedto improve its efficacy against the larvae but keeping its abilityto cross the blood brain barrier allied to improvement in the drug-likeand solubility profile. A set of 11 compounds were synthesized andtested against L1 larvae, showing EC50 values ranging from9.3 to 4.2 μM. The most effective were also tested against infectivethird-stage larvae (L3), with EC50 18.1–8.6 μM.None of the compounds showed toxicity to both HaCat mammalian cells(at 500 μM) and Caenorhabditis elegans (at 1000 μM), indicating their high selective toxicity toward A. cantonensis. Structure–activity relationshipanalysis using molecular descriptors indicated that presence of twobasic nitrogen atoms and balanced lipophilicity of compound 2b (EC50 L1 9.3 μM; L3 8.8 μM) playedthe role in the anthelmintic activity, and simplified compound 3a (EC50 L1 8.7 μM; L3 18.1 μM) representa novel prototype for further modifications.

Distribution and persistence of the anthelmintic drug albendazole in yellowtail aquaculture

Gastro-intestinal nematodes (GINs) are still of great concern in grazing ruminants, such as camelids, ovines and caprines, affecting animal health and productivity. This is mainly due to the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR) to the compounds used long term, without much evaluation on their efficacy, including ivermectin (IVM), the most used anthelmintic drug in livestock. The aims of this study were to determine the efficacy of IVM and identify which GIN species are affecting different ruminant farms in Quebec (QC), Canada. Firstly, we collected fecal samples from six farms with different ruminant species (camelids, goats and sheep) before and after IVM treatment when applicable, analyzing them by Fecal Egg Count (FEC) and further assessments on IVM efficacy through the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT). In addition, molecular analyses were conducted using PCR, targeting the ITS-2 and COX-1 genes to identify GIN species. FECRT was applied only for three farms, showing that variable results with optimal efficacy (ranging from 95.5–100%) were obtained in only one farm, whereas on the other two farms, FECRT exhibited reduced efficacy, suggesting the development of IVM resistance. Among the GIN species found, Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus vitrinus were identified in most of the farms, being present in sheep, goat, llama and alpaca farms, whereas Teladorsagia circumcincta was identified only in sheep and llama samples from four farms but not in alpaca samples. Trichostrongylus axei and Chabertia ovina were present in two farms (sheep and sheep and llamas). Oesophagostomum venulosum was detected in one sheep and one alpaca farm. Only one sheep farm was positive for Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Cooperia curticei. Also, Nematodirus spp. and Trichuris spp. were found in four farms, including sheep and camelids. In addition, three other species were found in camelids, including Camelostrongylus mentulatus (only in the llama samples), whereas Lamanema chavezi and Marshallagia marshalli were identified in one alpaca farm. Therefore, our work reports evidence of an uneven efficacy of IVM against GINs from ruminant farms, including the most likely emergence of IVM resistance. The diversity of GIN species found in ruminant farms in QC along with the inconsistent IVM efficacy are helpful information for veterinarians and animal producers in setting an optimal parasite management programs, including the proper use of IVM and alternative anthelmintic drugs to control these pathogens in grazing livestock.

Helminth control practices used by equine keepers in France: a national survey.

Parasite resistance is an increasing problem in livestock and companion animals. Developing new drug discovery models may improve the identification of novel anthelmintic drugs which will reduce parasite infections. Adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been previously used as a model for anthelmintic drug discovery by infecting them with the gastrointestinal nematode Pseudocapillaria tomentosa. Using larval zebrafish will increase assay sensitivity and throughput because this in vivo platform evaluates host parasite interactions and is conducted in multi-well plates. To develop this assay, this study focuses on 1) evaluating infections in 5-30 days post fertilization (dpf) fish, 2) validating the assay with a known anthelmintic used in domestic animals, and 3) documenting the growth and development of P. tomentosa. 30 dpf fish had the most robust infections in multi-well plates and the best survival compared to younger larvae. Assay sensitivity was evaluated by aqueously exposing 30 dpf infected zebrafish to emamectin benzoate (a macrocyclic lactone), which successfully reduced infection intensity. In vitro larvae hatched from eggs, larval, and adult zebrafish (n=488) were used to document P. tomentosa development from 1-37 days post exposure. A change point analysis (CPA) predicted the ecdysis (molting) points as follows (mm): L1/L2 = 0.220, L2/L3 = 0.571, L3/L4 = 1.174, and L4/L5 = 1.584. Identifying the worm molts sizes enables the inclusion of developmental endpoints within trials. Overall, this study will increase the sensitivity of anthelmintic drug discovery because the validated high throughput larval zebrafish model accounts for drug interactions between the host and parasite.

Many patients use alternative cancer treatments, but evidence of their efficacy is limited. Fenbendazole is reported to cause cholangitis and liver failure in humans. Cholangitis is a very rare complication of immunotherapy. A patient with cancer was admitted two weeks after immunotherapy due to a tenfold increase in cholestatic parameters. He was in good clinical condition, with normal ASAT/ALAT, bilirubin and INR. Ultrasonography findings were normal, and MRCP showed focal inflammation. No immunosuppressive treatment was initiated. We were informed that the patient had ingested 2g daily of Fenbendazole, a veterinary anti-helminthic drug, during the preceding week as an alternative cancer treatment. Liver biopsy showed lobular and portal inflammation. Fenbendazole was the suspected cause. Cholestatic parameters fell spontaneously two weeks after admission. Rechallenge with immunotherapy was uneventful. This case demonstrates the importance of uncovering the use of alternative cancer treatments, particularly when toxicities occur.

Recent studies indicate that niclosamide demonstrates considerable promise as both an anthelmintic agent and a possible anticancer medication. Given the increasing interest in nano-sized drug delivery methods for cancer therapy, lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) have emerged as a viable approach to enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble pharmaceuticals due to their beneficial properties. This research intends to develop niclosamide-loaded lipid nanocapsules (NIC-LNCs) using the phase inversion technique, followed by the optimization of these formulations via the Box-Behnken experimental design. A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was devised and validated for quantifying niclosamide in the LNC formulations. Optimal chromatographic separation was attained utilizing an Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 column (150×4.6 mm, 5 μm i.d.) with a mobile phase of a 50:50 (v/v) mixture of acetonitrile and 0.1% H3PO4 phosphate buffer, at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 335 nm, and the analysis was performed at 35°C. The developed analytical methodology was validated through a comprehensive evaluation of accuracy, linearity, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, specificity, and stability. The optimization of the NIC-LNC formulation through the Box-Behnken design resulted in an optimal formulation labeled LNC5, consisting of 4% niclosamide, 20% lipid, and 20% surfactant. The proven RPHPLC method enables accurate quantification of NIC in the LNC formulations. The refined NIC-LNC formulation exhibited developed attributes as assessed by the design. The findings indicate that LNC systems are a promising method for drug administration, especially for anticancer drugs with limited solubility in water.