Levamisole HCl Research Articles

Spectrum subtraction as a complementary method for six resolution techniques resolving overlapping spectra; application to multicomponent veterinary formulation with greenness and whiteness assessment

Mathematical filtration is an efficient tool to resolve the overlapping spectra of binary mixtures in zero or first order form. Herein, a comparative study was conducted between six economic, accurate and precise spectrophotometric methods for determination of Triclabendazole (TCB) and Levamisole HCl (LVM). Each component was resolved with minimum mathematical steps in its zero-order absorption spectrum by ratio subtraction, constant multiplication, and the recent factorized response method; coupled with spectrum subtraction. In addition, the mixture was resolved in its first derivative form by derivative subtraction, D1 constant multiplication, and the recent D1 factorized response method; coupled with spectrum subtraction. Results obtained were also compared to those obtained from constant value, concentration value, and derivative ratio methods. The linearity range was found to be either 1.0–10.0 µg/mL or 2.0–20.0 µg/mL for TCB, and 2.0–14.0 µg/mL for LVM with LOD of 0.08 µg/mL and 0.19 µg/mL, respectively. Validation of the proposed methods was performed according to VICH guidelines. Results obtained from the statistical data showed no significant difference regarding accuracy and precision compared to the reported methods. The developed spectrophotometric methods followed the principles of green analytical chemistry, in which the green assessment was done through four tools, called, National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI), Analytical Eco-Scale (AES), Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical greenness metric (AGREE). Also, a white assessment was performed using RGB model. The proposed methods could offer an economic alternative for the routine analysis of bulk materials and combined veterinary dosage form.Graphical

Assessment of Levamisole HCl and Thymosin α1 in Two Mouse Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Assessment of Levamisole HCl and Thymosin α1 in Two Mouse Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The association between fecal microbiota, age and endoparasitism in adult alpacas.

Endoparasitism is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in alpacas (Lama pacos), with growing emergence of anthelmintic resistance. The purpose of the study was to correlate nematode worm burden and selected host phenotypic characteristics, such as age and weight, with the composition of the intestinal microbiota of adult alpacas. Fecal samples were collected per rectum from 102 healthy adult (2.1–11.2 years) alpacas at 3 separate timepoints (pre- and post-treatment with 8.8 mg/kg oral Levamisole HCL, and 4.6 months later) at a single farm. The profile of the fecal bacterial microbiota was characterized using 16S amplicon sequencing. Serial clinical exams and fecal egg counts were compared using related-samples analyses. The fecal microbiota of identically managed, healthy alpacas was characterized by a high level of temporal stability, as both α and β-diversity significantly correlated between sampling timepoints. Pairwise β-diversity between samples collected at each timepoint was low, ranging from 0.16–0.21 UniFrac distance units. The intensity of strongylid nematode infection (including Haemonchus, Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus) was only significantly correlated with microbiota composition in samples collected 14 days after treatment with levamisole. Analysis of similarity revealed no clustering of microbiota from anthelmintic responders or non-responders. Alpaca age explained the largest proportion of fecal microbiota variation and was the only consistently significant predictor of fecal microbiota taxonomic composition, by impacting the ratio of relative Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes abundance. Firmicutes, mostly Clostridiales, was the most abundant taxon across all collections.

The growth promoting and immunostimulant effects of levamisole hydrochloride on broiler chicks

ABSTRACT The current study was carried out to investigate the effects of levamisole Hcl. (LMS) supplementation on the performance, immunological response, and various hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes in broilers. A total of 120 one-day-old Ross (308) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of two feeding treatments, each of which has 3 replicates (20 chicks per each replicate). The first (control) group was fed a basal diet with no supplements, whereas the second (LMS) group was given LMS 25 mg/kg live body weight via drinking water every day for 37 days. The results showed that LMS supplementation enhanced final body weight, weight gain, and average FCR, over the entire experimental period, and increased PCV percent, Hb percent, and WBC count. Furthermore, phagocytic activity increased (P < 0.05) by roughly 15.3% at the 5th week of chicken age compared to the control. At 3 and 5 weeks of the experiment, the LMS-treated group’s intestinal villi improved considerably (P < 0.05) in length, width, goblet cell number, and crypt depth compared to the control group. In conclusion, including LMS in the diet increased broiler chick growth, performance, and immunological response. As a result of its growth-promoting and immunostimulant properties, we recommended its usage in chicken farms.

Development and Validation of Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Estimation of Levamisole HCl in Bulk and Tablet Dosage Form

A rapid, sensitive and accurate method for Estimation of Anti- Histamine in Tablet Dosage Form by RP-HPLC. Mobile phase was Methanol: 0.1% Ortho phosphoric acid (80:20% v/v). Flow rate was 0.9ml/min. The detection Wavelength was 227nm. The injection volume was 20-µl. The proposed method was validated for selectivity, precision, linearity, and accuracy. All validation parameters were within the acceptable range. Linearity studies for Levamisole was performed (10-60µg/ml). The %RSD for accuracy found to be less than2%. Assay was found to be 99.17 to 101.65 respectively The range of 10-60µg /ml was selected for the linearity of a standard Levamisole. The 80%, 100% and 120% levels of recovery study were selected to perform the recovery study. Linearity studies for Levamisole was performed on (10-60µg/ml).

Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Mebendazole and Levamisole Hydrochloride in Pharmaceutical Formulation and Human Plasma

AbstractA new, simple and highly sensitive electrochemical method based on zirconium oxide nanoparticles modified carbon paste electrode (2 % ZrO2/CPE) was used for simultaneous determination of anthelmintics drugs Mebendazole (MB) and Levamisole HCl (LV) in drug substance, dosage form and human plasma. Differential pulse (DPV) and square wave (SWV) voltammetric analysis were applied in Britton Robinson buffer (pH 6; 0.04 M) after optimization of different analytical parameters. The studied drugs were measured simultaneously at very low concentration of analytes resulting in two well‐separated peaks. The detection limits were found to be 0.01 and 0.62 μM for MB and LV, respectively, using DPV and 0.01 and 0.42 μM for MB and LV, respectively using SWV.

Quantitative Analysis of Abamectin, Albendazole, Levamisole HCl and Closantel in Q-DRENCH Oral Suspension Using a Stability-Indicating HPLC-DAD Method.

Combination therapy of many anthelmintic drugs has been used to achieve fast animal curing. Q-DRENCH is an oral suspension, containing four different active drugs against GIT worms in sheep, commonly used in Australia and New Zeeland. The anti-parasitic drugs are Albendazole (ALB), Levamisole HCl (LEV), Abamectin (ABA), and Closantel (CLO). The main purpose of this study is to present a new simultaneous stability-indicting HPLC-DAD method for the analysis of the four drugs. The recommended liquid system was 1 mL of Triethylamine/L water, adjusting the pH to 3.5 by glacial acetic acid: acetonitrile solvent (20:80, v/v). Isocratic elusion achieved the desired results of separation at a 2 mL/min flow rate using Zorbax C-18 as a stationary phase. Detection was performed at 210 nm. The linearity ranges were 15.15 to 93.75 μg/mL for ALB, 25 to 150 μg/mL for LEV, 30 to 150 μg/mL for ABA, and 11.7 to 140.63 μg/mL for CLO. Moreover, the final greenness score was 0.62 using the AGREE tool, which reflects the eco-friendly nature. Moreover, the four drugs were determined successfully in the presence of their stressful degradation products. This work presents the first chromatographic method for simultaneous analysis for Q-DRENCH oral suspension drugs in the presence of their stressful degradation products.

Development and Validation of RP-HPLC Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Levamisole HCl and Oxyclozanide and its Application in the Assay of Veterinary Bolus Formulations

Introduction: A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of two drugs, levamisole hydrochloride (LH) and oxyclozanide (OX), in co-formulation for veterinary use. Materials and Methods: The new HPLC method was validated as per the ICH and other guidelines. A C18 column was used with a gradient program; eluent A was an equal mixture of methanol and acetonitrile, and eluent B included a 25 mM phosphate buffer at pH 7.0 containing 30 mM sodium decanesulfonate and triethylamine (50:50:1 v/v) with pH adjusted to 7.0 using H3PO4 [51:49 v/v] .The detection wavelength was set at 220 nm. For the final gradient program, the retention times were 8.2(for LH) and 13.6(for OX) minutes, respectively, at a flow rate of 1 ml/min over 20 minutes run time. Results: The method was precise, specific and robust. The correlation coefficient, R2 was 0.9998 and 0.9999 for LH and OX, respectively in the range of 5 – 280 μg / mL. The percent y-intercepts and percent residual standard deviations were 1.6%/0.4% and 1.4%/1.0% for LH and OX, respectively. The LOD and LOQ of the method were 0.21 μg / mL and 0.62 μg / mL for LH and 0.06 μg / mL and 0.18 μg / mL for OX. The method has an average accuracy of 100.5% for LH and 101.1% for OX when tested on veterinary bolus formulations, and the samples could be stored under typical lab conditions for about 7 days without significant degradation. Conclusion: This HPLC method is suitable for assaying levamisole hydrochloride and oxyclozanide simultaneously from veterinary formulations.

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Gastro Retentive Matrix Tablet of Levamisole Hydrochloride

The aim of current study was to develop suitable gastroretentive tablet of Levamisole HCl for prolonging the retention of Levamisole in stomach. Floating tablets were prepared by using HPMC K4M and Carbopol 934p in combination and their effect on floating, swelling and release of Levamisole HCl was studied. Optimization of drug release were carried out by taking different concentration of HPMC K4M and Carbopol 934p. It was found that HPMC and Carbopol with concentration 35% and 22% in tablet give satisfactory release and batch was selected for 32 factorial design. In this study all the formulation were subjected to physical evaluation parameter such as Hardness, Friability, content uniformity all were found to be within limits. In-vivo study F5 formulation was carried out to check the buoyancy of tablet. Tablet float in stomach of rabbit for 8 hours without adhering to gastric mucous. Stability studies of F5 formulation indicated that formulation is stable for 3 months at 40o C and 75% RH. The formulation retained its integrity and In-vitro performance.

Chemotherapy of gastrointestinal parasitic diseases in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) in Rajshahi division of Bangladesh

The present study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in pigeon (columba livia) at Rajshahi division from 01-01-2016 to 15-12-2016 and to evaluate the comparative efficacy piparazine citrate and levamisole HCL. Total 3 different species of parasites were recorded in this study and those were Ascaridia columbae, Capillilaria obsignata, Raillietina tetragona. Out of 263 pigeon, 109 pigeon having ascarid and capillaria positive were treatment with piparazine citrate and levamisole HCL. The pigeon were treated with recommended (10g mixed in 6 litre drinking water for 100 pigeon) dose of Ascarex® and recommended (1gm mixed in 1 litre drinking water) dose of Avinex® orally, respectively. The recovery rate of ascariasis at 7th days was 50.9% and capillariasis was 51.85%. After 21th days the recovery rate of ascariasis was 72.72% and capillariasis was 66.66%. The efficacy of drugs is more in case of young (77.27% at 7th days and 87.36% at 21th days) than adult (44.82% at 7th days and 65.51% at 21th days).In exotic breeds efficacy is good (60.41% at 7th days and 85.41% at 21th days) than indigenous breeds (44.26% at 7th days and 66.65% at 21th days). The recovery rate is more in traditional (65.3% at 7th days and 78.33% at 21th days) than commercial farming system (42.85% at 7th days and 58.33% at 21th days).&#x0D; Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.6(2): 323-328, August 2019

Live Fluorescent Staining Platform for Drug-Screening and Mechanism-Analysis in Zebrafish for Bone Mineralization.

Currently, drug screening relies on cell-based experiments or on animal models to confirm biological effects. The mammalian system is considered too time-consuming, expensive and complex to perform high-throughput drug screening. There is a gap between in vitro cell-based models and the in vivo mammalian models. The zebrafish is an ideal model that could link preclinical toxicity screening with the drug development pipeline. Taking advantage of a highly conservative genomic, rapid development, large number of offspring, low cost and easy manipulation, zebrafish has been considered an excellent animal model for disease-based drug screening. In this study, zebrafish embryos were incubated with small molecular compounds that potentially affected bone mineralization in microplates. Two compounds of alendronate and dorsomorphin were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The level of osteogenic mineralization was measured and quantified by using ImageJ software with fluorescent calcein-staining images. Among twenty-four tested compounds from the kinase inhibitor library, we identified two compounds, pentamidine and BML-267, which showed increased embryonic mineralization; while six compounds, RWJ-60475, levamisole HCL, tetramisole HCL, fenvalerate, NSC-663284, and BML-267ester, were inhibitory to bone mineralization. In addition, real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to evaluate the biological pathways involved in bone metabolism at the molecular level. We confirmed that alendronate enhanced the level of bone mineralization by inhibiting osteoclast-related genes. In summary, our research established a simple method to screen potential bone metabolic drugs and to perform mechanism analysis for bone mineralization in vivo.

Resistance to a triple-combination anthelmintic in Trichostrongylus spp. on a commercial sheep farm in New Zealand

AIM: To evaluate resistance to anthelmintics containing abamectin, levamisole, and oxfendazole (AB-LEV-OX), derquantal and abamectin (DEQ-AB), moxidectin, and monepantel in naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematodes present on a sheep farm.METHODS: Faecal nematode egg count reduction tests (FECRT) were carried out on lambs that were approximately 7 months-old and infected with naturally acquired nematodes. Lambs were randomly allocated to one of five groups (n=15 per group): treatment with 2 mg/kg derquantel and 0.2 mg/kg abamectin; 0.2 mg/kg abamectin, 8 mg/kg levamisole HCl and 4.5 mg/kg oxfendazole; 2.5 mg/kg monepantel; 0.2 mg/kg moxidectin, or no treatment. Post-treatment samples were collected 12 days later. Abomasa and small intestines were collected from two slaughtered lambs from each of the DEQ-AB, AB-LEV-OX, moxidectin and control groups 15 days after treatment, for nematode counting.RESULTS: The FECRT demonstrated that efficacy was 90.3 (95% CI=84.2–94.1)% for AB-LEV-OX, 54.5 (95% CI=28.4–71.1)% for moxidectin, 99.2 (95% CI=97.4–99.8)% for DEQ-AB and 100% for monepantel, across all genera. For Trichostrongylus spp. efficacy was 85.5% for AB-LEV-OX and 46.7% for moxidectin. Haemonchus spp. were fully susceptible to all treatments. Post-treatment nematode counts indicated that the resistant Trichostrongylus spp. were from the small intestine.CONCLUSIONS: Anthelmintic resistance to both AB-LEV-OX and moxidectin was present in the Trichostrongylus genus on a commercial sheep farm. Monepantel and DEQ-AB were both effective against Trichostrongylus spp. based on FECRT results.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This finding of resistance to an AB-LEV-OX triple-combination anthelmintic in the Trichostrongylus genus in sheep in New Zealand further limits anthelmintic treatment options available, and calls into question whether this combination is suitable for use as a quarantine treatment.

Evaluation of Anthelmintic Efficacy of Ivermectin, Levamisole HCl and Albendazole Administered through Different Routes against Naturally Occuring Gastrointestinal Nematodiasis in Black Bengal Goat Inducing Hematological Parameters and Live Weight Indices

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin, levamisole HCl and albendazole against gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected goats of government goat development farm, Sylhet, Bangladesh. The study included 52 black Bengal breed of which 30 were naturally infected and randomly selected 20 on the basis of their weight and egg count. Twenty black Bengal goats of 12-13 month old irrespective of sex infested with gastrointestinal nematodes were selected for this experiment and randomly divided into four equal groups (group A, B, C and D) where each group consisted of 5 goats and goats of group D were kept as control group. One injectable ivermectin (200?gkg-1 body weight, S/C) preparations (Techno Drugs Ltd. Bangladesh) and two solid levamisole HCl, albendazole (7.5 mgkg-1 body weight, orally) preparations (The ACME Laboratories Ltd. and Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Bangladesh) were used for positive control of gastrointestinal nematodes as group A, B and C. Goats of group D was kept as control without giving any treatment. Before trials (day 0), total egg count, blood samples and initial body weight were recorded. During the study period the fecal and blood samples were collected directly from rectum and examined on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day using McMaster fecal egg counting method. Body weight was recorded on day 28 following the treatments. The results of the comparative efficacies of different anthelmintic of ivermectin was 86.75%, followed by levamisole HCl 85.07% and albendazole 92.81%. McMaster fecal egg counting method discloses the percentage of Haemonchus spp. (15.38%), with Trichostrongylus spp, Strongyloides spp., and Cooperia spp. also present. After treatment with ivermectin, levamisole HCl and albendazole, Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Hemoglobin (Hb) content and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) were increased significantly (p&lt;0.01 and p&gt;0.05) in goats but Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Total Leukocyte Count (TLC) were decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05 and p&gt;0.01) in all treated goat and body weight was increased significantly (p&lt;0.01) on day 28.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(1) 26-34

Evaluation of cell mediated immune response in rabbits fed with Cucurbita maxima seeds

Cucurbita maxima seed was tested for its immunomodulatory effect by comparing with immunostimulant, Levamisole HCL using dexamethasone induced immuno suppression model in rabbits in terms of assessing cell mediated immune response. Thirty six rabbits were randomly divided into six groups of six animals in each. Group I was the untreated control. Group II was dexamethasone sodium treated. Group III was levamisole HCL treated. Group IV was treated with Cucurbita maxima seeds. Group V was levamisole and dexamethasone treated and Group VI was treated with dexamethasone and Cucurbita maxima. Levamisole HCL was given at the rate of 2.5 mg/kg subcutaneously thrice a week, dexamethasone sodium was given at the rate of 2 mg/kg intramuscularly for seven days and Cucurbita maxima was given at the rate of 1000 mg/kg orally for 10 days. To assess the cell mediated immune response, leukocyte migration immigration test, delayed type hypersensitivity test and haematological indices were carried out. The body weight and spleen weight were also recorded. The results indicated that there were significant increase in % leukocyte migration inhibition in Cucurbita maxima and dexamethasone + Cucurbita maxima treated groups as compared to control. In tuberculin sensitivity, Cucurbita maxima, dexamethasone + Cucurbita maxima, levamisole, dexamethasone + levamisole showed significant increase in skin thickness as compared to control. This study suggested that the Cucurbita maxima seed has the potential to reverse dexamethasone induced cell mediated immunosuppression in rabbits.

Effect of Levamisol and Vitamine E/ Selenium on Bovine Cellular and Humeral Immunity after Bovine Viral Diarrhea Vaccination

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of levamisol and vitamine E/ selenium on bovine immunity associated with Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) vaccination. Fifteen mixed breed calves at (Age, 5-8 months) of age in a private farm were used. Experimental animals were allocated randomly into 5 groups (3 each). Group 1 injected by Pneumo-3 vaccine (double doses of 5ml i.m with two weeks interval). Group 2 received Pneumo-3 vaccine and levamisole subcutaneously at a dose rate of 2mg/kg b.w for 2 successive times (3 days apart). Meanwhile, Group 3 received Pneumo-3 vaccine plus vitamin E/Selenium at a dose rate of 2ml/40 kg b.w, i.m, for 3 successive times (seven days interval). For group 4, Pneumo-3 vaccine plus levamisole and vitamin E/selenium (as previously mentioned) were administered. However, group 5 received only levamisole and vitamin E/selenium combination. Host humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated before vaccination and at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks post- vaccination. A significant effect of time and treatment (ANOVA P < 0.01) were recorded. The antibody titer against BVD virus in vaccinated calves reached its peak level at 8 weeks from first injection. The highest level of antibodies against BVD virus was observed in calves administered Pneumo-3 plus levamisole Hcl plus vitamin E and selenium. However, the apoptotic lymphocytes index and Acridine orange stain (AO) was parallel; the apoptosis was found to be the highest in second group and the lowest in third group. Agarose gel electrophoresis for DNA of apoptotic lymphocytes showed fragmentation of DNA. The results of the present study indicate that using of Pneumo-3 vaccine together with vitamin E selenium and levamisol could induce a good humoral and cellular response to BVD in calves.

Heavy metals analysis, phytochemical, phytotoxic and anthelmintic investigations of crude methanolic extract, subsequent fractions and crude saponins from Polygonum hydropiper L.

BackgroundPolygonum hydropiper L decoctions are traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments including inflammation, dyspepsia, diarrhea, menorrhagia, hemorrhoids, helminthiasis and CNS disorders. Present study was undertaken to investigate P. hydropiper L. for heavy metals content, phytoconstituents, Phytotoxic and anthelmintic activities to explore its toxicological and pharmacological potentials and rationalize its ethnomedicinal uses.MethodsPlant crude powder, methanolic extract, fractions and soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts was carried out for the existence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, anthraquinones, saponins, terpenoids, sterols and tannins. Radish seeds phytotoxicity assay was used to study phytotoxic action of plant extracts. Pheretima posthuma and Ascaridia galli were used to study anthelmintic potential of the plant using albendazole and levamisole HCl as standard drugs.ResultsPlant crude powder, methanolic extract (Ph.Cr), its subsequent fractions; n-hexane (Ph.Hex), chloroform (Ph.Chf), ethyl acetate (Ph.EtAc), n-Butanol (Ph.Bt), aqueous (Ph.Aq), saponins (Ph.Sp) and soil samples were found to contain copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in different concentrations. In crude powder of the plant, heavy metals concentrations were within WHO specified limits, whereas different fractions and soil samples exhibited high metals content. Ph.Cr was tested positive for the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids and anthraquinone glycosides. Among different fractions Ph.EtAc, Ph.Sp, Ph.Chf and Ph.Bt were most effective causing 89.32, 89.25, 86.68 and 85.32% inhibition of seeds in phytotoxicity assay, with IC50 values of 50, 60, 35 and 100 μg/ml respectively. In anthelmintic study, Ph.Sp, Ph.Chf, Ph.EtAc and Ph.Cr were most effective against P. posthuma at 10 mg/ml concentration with an average death time of 50, 64.67, 68.67 and 71 minutes respectively. Ph.EtAc, Ph.Chf and Ph.Aq were most effective against A. galli with average death time of 7, 9 and 10 min respectively at 1 mg/ml concentration.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that P. hydropiper contains different heavy metals and secondary metabolites. Different fractions exhibited phytotoxic and anthelmintic activites comparable to control drugs, thus provide pharmacological basis for ethnomedicinal uses of this plant.

Evidence that inflammation associated with Sarcocystis neurona infection plays a role in clinical signs associated with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis

Sarcocystis neurona is a protozoal pathogen that causes equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The commonly recognized neurologic signs that EPM causes are due to the pathological effects of the disease and can be due to infections of somatic and neural tissues by the asexual stages of S. neurona that cause cell dysfunction and death. A second component of EPM is the inflammatory host response to the parasitic insult. Inflammation may be as deleterious to the host as the initial insult. Anticoccidial drugs are necessary to treat the infectious aspect of EPM. An objective evaluation of treatment effect on protozoa is measured by a reduction in SnSAG 1, 5, and 6 antibodies. Recurrences of neurologic signs in horses that have diminishing antibody titers was controlled by levamisole HCl and indicate inflammation is a significant component of disease. There are no specific markers of inflammation due to S. neurona, therefore clinical exam was used to determine effectiveness of treatment. In a clinical field trial horses with a presumptive diagnosis of EPM based on veterinary clinical exam and the presence of serum antibodies against recombinant SAG’s 1, 5, and 6 by ELISA (> 1:16) were treated with 0.5 mg/kg decoquinate and 1 mg/ kg levamisole HCl PO for 10 days. A post-treatment clinical examination and antibody titer was determined. Horses that improved and then experienced recurrence of neurologic signs were treated with levamisole HCl PO until the horse resolved the clinical signs. Ninety-four percent of the EPM suspect horses resolved neurological signs within the 10 day treatment period based on clinical exam. Eighty-nine percent showed a reduction in antibody titers at 4-5 weeks and 97% showed a reduction in antibody titers by 12 weeks post treatment. Eleven percent of horses responded incompletely to decoquinate/ levamisole or responded completely but experienced recurrence from 7 to 14 days following treatment. Horses that experienced recurrence of signs responded to levamisole HCl and maintained the improvement after

The effect of application of the FAMACHA© system on selected production parameters in sheep

Much research has gone into developing a sustainable management tool for haemonchosis, namely the FAMACHA© system, which has been validated by numerous studies worldwide. However, the financial implications on production of implementing this system have not been fully investigated in sheep previously. A trial was conducted on a farm comprising a flock of approximately 300 Mutton Merinos on which the FAMACHA© system was in use. Seventy five maiden and multiparous ewes were randomly allocated to the following three trial groups: (i) FAMACHA© in which ewes judged to be in categories 4 or 5 were dosed with levamisole HCl 2.5% (Nemasol NF, Intervet); (ii) Conventionally dosed in which all ewes were dosed every six weeks with levamisole HCl 2.5% (Nemasol NF, Intervet); (iii) Suppressively dosed in which all ewes were injected every six weeks with moxydectin 1%m/v (Cydectin, Bayer AH).There were no significant differences in body weight gains, FAMACHA© and body condition scores amongst the three treatment regimens for ewes that did not conceive. For those that became pregnant during the trial there was a significant difference when analysed by calendar date but not when analysed by reproductive stage. There were also no significant differences between trial groups in lamb birth weight and, after slow growers had been sold, the average daily gain of the lambs born to ewes in the trial. The cost of anthelmintics was considerably lower for the FAMACHA© group. In conclusion there were no significant differences in selected production parameters when using the FAMACHA© system as opposed to other methods of anthelmintic use in a Mutton Merino flock in a semi-intensive farming system and that the gestation status should be taken into account when measuring these parameters in future studies.

Determination of Levamisole in Urine by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

The United States Public Health Service Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is alerting medical professionals that a substantial percentage of cocaine imported into the United States is adulterated with levamisole, a veterinary pharmaceutical that can cause blood cell disorders such as severe neutropenia and agranulocytosis. Levamisole HCl is the active ingredient in a number of veterinary drugs approved to treat worm infestations in animals. Levamisole HCl was also the active ingredient in a human drug for oral administration approved on June 18, 1990, as adjuvant treatment in combination with fluorouracil after surgical resection in patients with Duke's stage C colon cancer. This drug was withdrawn from the U.S. market around 2000, and it has not been marketed in the U.S. since then. The objective of this study was to develop a method to determine the amount of levamisole in urine samples. The procedure will be provided to state health laboratories as needed to be used in the evaluation of patients that have developed neutropenia or agranulocytosis in the setting of recent cocaine use. A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method was validated and tested at two different laboratories, and the method limit of detection for levamisole is 1 ng/mL in urine when using a 5-mL sample. Confirmation of the stereoisomer of levamisole was done by high-performance liquid chromatography using a chiral column.

Dietary Levamisole Influenced Hematological Parameters of Juvenile Pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg 1887)

Diseases outbreaks are a major concern in intensive fish farming because fish are exposed to stressors which may negatively affect their physiology. This study set out to determine effects of dietary levamisole (Levamisole HCl; SIGMA®) on performance and hematology of pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus, juveniles. Fish (55.94 g) were stocked into 24 plastic aquaria (500 L; 15 fish per aquarium) and fed for 30 d with a commercial diet with 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg levamisole, and for an extra 15 d, with a control diet in a totally randomized design trial (n = 4). Biometrical and hematological data were collected. No significant differences in growth parameters were recorded for either control or supplemented diets. Hematological parameters, such as hemoglobin, plasma glucose, white blood count (WBC), and differential leukocyte count were influenced (P &lt; 0.05) levamisole. WBC, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and special granulocytic cell numbers decreased significantly after 15 d. Dietary levamisole at 100 mg/kg diet for 15 d increased leukocyte production in juvenile pacu. However, levamisole administration for more than 15 d presented toxicity to lymphopoietic tissues. Information about long‐period administration, mode of action in weight gain, effects on hematology of levamisole in freshwater fish nutrition are scarce and necessary for its safe use in aquaculture.