Levamisole Treatment Research Articles

Effects of levamisole, echinacea, and thyme oral administration on growth factors, blood parameters, and immunity in beluga, Huso huso

ABSTRACTA total of 180 fish (95.50 g) were fed with 0.1% levamisole, 0.5% thyme, and 0.5% echinacea crude extract for 60 days. The control group received no stimulant. The results of growth parameters indicated a significant positive effect of levamisole in comparison with the control group, though it was not significantly different from echinacea and thyme treatments (P > 0.05). No mortalities were observed in the treatments. Feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio did not differ significantly between the treatments. The highest numbers of white and red blood cells and the greatest amounts of hemoglobin and hematocrit were detected in the levamisole treatment, showing significant differences with the other groups in the percentage of hemoglobin only (P < 0.05). The highest levels of MCH and MCHC were also measured in the levamisole treatment. Differential count of white blood cells revealed no significant differences in neutrophil and lymphocyte levels with the control. There was a significant increase in the percentage of eosinophil in the levamisole treatment alone. No significant differences were recorded in total protein, albumin, and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase enzymes. Levamisole treatment displayed the highest activities of glutathione peroxidase and lysozyme as well as the greatest amount of immunoglobulin. So 0.1 levamisole yielded better results in the growth, blood, and immunity parameters and can be used as a stimulant without injuring body organs.

Control of Nematodirus spp. infection by sheep flock owners in Northern Ireland

BackgroundTo address a lack of information on the control of ovine helminth parasites in Northern Ireland (NI), a number of research projects have been undertaken, dealing with gastrointestinal nematodes, tapeworms and liver fluke. This investigation concerns Nematodirus and concentrates on three aspects of disease: farm management strategies for its control, derived from the results of a Questionnaire; the efficacy of treatment used by farmers, as determined by a coprological survey; and the hatching requirements of Nematodirus eggs, that is, whether prolonged chilling is a pre-requisite for hatching.ResultsA Questionnaire was sent to 252 sheep farmers in NI in March 2012 (covering the years 2009–2012) and replies were received from 228 farmers. Under-dosing, inaccurate calibration of equipment and inappropriate product choice were poor practices identified. Following this survey, the efficacy of treatment of Nematodirus spp. in sheep flocks was evaluated in April and May 2012. Sampling kits were sent to 51 flock owners, all of whom returned pre- and post-anthelmintic dosing faecal samples to the laboratory for analysis. At the time of treatment, 41 flocks were positive for Nematodirus (as diagnosed by the presence of eggs). Reduced benzimidazole efficacy was detected in 35.7% of flocks tested (n = 28). Although only involving a small number of flocks, reduced efficacy of levamisole treatment was detected in 50%, of avermectins in 33% and of moxidectin in 75% of flocks tested (n = 2, 6 and 4, respectively). In the egg hatch experiment, carried out under “chilled” and “non-chilled” conditions, 43% of the eggs in the “non-chilled” group were able to hatch, compared to 100% in the “chilled” group.ConclusionsThe identification of inefficient control strategies argues for continued education of stockholders, in order to improve their management programmes. This is particularly important where the practices might impact on the development of anthelmintic resistance, which has been shown to exist on NI farms. The appropriate choice of anthelmintic is a vital part of this plan. The ability of eggs to hatch under non-chilled conditions demonstrates a flexibility in hatching behaviour. This may represent an adaptation to climate change and account for the recent emergence of a second, autumnal peak of infection.

A randomized clinical trial indicates that levamisole increases the time to relapse in children with steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

Levamisole has been considered the least toxic and least expensive steroid-sparing drug for preventing relapses of steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (SSINS). However, evidence for this is limited as previous randomized clinical trials were found to have methodological limitations. Therefore, we conducted an international multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial to reassess its usefulness in prevention of relapses in children with SSINS. The efficacy and safety of one year of levamisole treatment in children with SSINS and frequent relapses were evaluated. The primary analysis cohort consisted of 99 patients from 6 countries. Between 100 days and 12 months after the start of study medication, the time to relapse (primary endpoint) was significantly increased in the levamisole compared to the placebo group (hazard ratio 0.22 [95% confidence interval 0.11-0.43]). Significantly, after 12 months of treatment, six percent of placebo patients versus 26 percent of levamisole patients were still in remission. During this period, the most frequent serious adverse event (four of 50 patients) possibly related to levamisole was asymptomatic moderate neutropenia, which was reversible spontaneously or after treatment discontinuation. Thus, in children with SSINS and frequent relapses, levamisole prolonged the time to relapse and also prevented recurrence during one year of treatment compared to prednisone alone. However, regular blood controls are necessary for safety issues.

Levamisole as an immunomodulator to ameliorate vaccination stress in crossbred bulls

Present study was planned on 8 crossbred bulls (144 ejaculates) to study effect of levamisole on vaccination stress. All the bulls were vaccinated with Trio-vac vaccine as per routine schedule of the farm. In treatment group (4 bulls) levamisole was injected 1 week prior to vaccination, whereas in control normal saline was injected. Semen ejaculates were evaluated during pre-vaccination (1 week) and post-vaccination (8 week) period. Results revealed significantly lesser reaction time, sperm abnormalities and higher sperm concentration (million/ml), total motile spermatozoa (×106), total live spermatozoa/ml (×106), total sperm (×106) and total dose harvested in treated group. Individual motility, mass motility, NEC, HOST and IA (%) was higher in levamisole treated group, but it was not statistically significant. Vaccination stress was evident in both group, however the stress was prominent in control. Level of serum Zn and immunoglobulin improved significantly in treated bulls. Levamisole treatment in vaccinated bulls has positive effect to some extent in amelioration of stress.

Levamisole therapy in children with frequently relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: a single-center experience.

IntroductionNumerous studies suggest that levamisole, an antihelmintic agent with an immunomodulatory effect, reduces the number of relapses in children with frequently relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS/SDNS). The aim of the study was to present a single center’s experience in treatment of FRNS and SDNS with levamisole.Material and methodsAmong 72 children with FRNS/SDNS treated in our department with levamisole in the years 1984-2011 we studied in detail 53 patients (mean age: 6.5 ±3.0 years), in whom the medication was administered for at least 6 months. In these 53 patients we evaluated: the course of the disease before levamisole, the renal biopsy result, medications used, prednisone dose on levamisole initiation, duration of levamisole treatment, time to first relapse and number of relapses on levamisole, and levamisole side effects.ResultsThe duration of nephrotic syndrome was 3.4 ±2.9 years, and the number of relapses before levamisole treatment was 6.0 ±3.4. The dose of prednisone on initiation of levamisole treatment was 1.2 ±0.6 mg/kg/24 h, and the duration of levamisole treatment was 15.0 ±7.3 months. During levamisole treatment proteinuria relapsed in 34/53 (64.2%) children, and the time to first relapse was 8.8 ±8.1 months. During levamisole therapy relapses of the disease decreased significantly (2.7 ±2.0 vs. 1.8 ±2.1 relapses/year, p = 0.02). Time to first relapse correlated with total number of relapses (R = –0.59, p < 0.001) and number of relapses in one year during levamisole treatment (R = –0.60, p < 0.001).ConclusionsLevamisole is effective in reducing the number of relapses in children with frequently relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. Early relapse of proteinuria on levamisole treatment in children with FRNS/SDNS suggests low efficacy of further treatment.

Tissue Non-specific Alkaline Phosphatase (TNAP) in Vessels of the Brain.

The microvessels of the brain represent around 3-4 % of the brain compartment but constitute the most important length (400 miles) and surface of exchange (20 m(2)) between the blood and the parenchyma of brain. Under influence of surrounding tissues, the brain microvessel endothelium expresses a specific phenotype that regulates and restricts the entry of compounds and cells from blood to brain, and defined the so-called blood-brain barrier (BBB). Evidences that alkaline phosphatase (AP) is a characteristic feature of the BBB phenotype that allows differentiating capillary endothelial cells from brain to those of the periphery have rapidly emerge. Thenceforth, AP has been rapidly used as a biomarker of the blood-brain barrier phenotype. In fact, brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) express exclusively tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). There are several lines of evidence in favour of an important role for TNAP in brain function. TNAP is thought to be responsible for the control of transport of some compounds across the plasma membrane of the BCECs. Here, we report that levamisole-mediated inhibition of TNAP provokes an increase of the permeability to Lucifer Yellow of the endothelial monolayer. Moreover, we illustrate the disruption of the cytoskeleton organization. Interestingly, all observed effects were reversible 24 h after levamisole removal and correlated with the return of a full activity of the TNAP. This reversible effect remains to be studied in details to evaluate the potentiality of a levamisole treatment to enhance the entry of drugs in the brain parenchyma.

Can immunostimulants efficiently replace antibiotic in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) against bacterial infection by Edwardsiella ictaluri?

The present study was performed to determine the efficacy of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and levamisole on immune response and disease resistance in striped catfish and to compare their respective efficiency with the one of an antibiotic treatment after infection of fish by the bacteria Edwardsiella ictaluri. Fish were divided into 3 groups and each group was injected with LPS (3 mg/kg fish), levamisole (5 mg/kg fish) or phosphate buffer saline as control. At day 21st post immunostimulant injection, fish were bled for assaying immunological variables and then challenged with E. ictaluri. Three days after bacterial infection, an antibiotic treatment was applied into fish subgroups and mortality was compared daily between antibiotic treated and untreated fish until 2 weeks post-challenge. LPS and levamisole significantly enhanced non-specific immune responses such as respiratory burst, lysozyme and complement activity in fish compared with control (p < 0.05). Respiratory burst and complement activity significantly increased in levamisole groups when compared with LPS groups while lysozyme activity did not differ significantly between immunostimulant treatments. Total immunoglobulins significantly increased in levamisole treatment compared with control. After challenge test, accumulated mortality was reduced significantly in both non-antibiotic and antibiotic subgroups of LPS and levamisole compared with control. Moreover, no differences of mortality were observed between fish treated with levamisole or LPS without antibiotics and control fish treated with antibiotics. These results support the possible replacement of antibiotics in striped catfish farming by immunostimulants such as levamisole and LPS.

DI-099 Effectiveness and safety study in children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome treated with levamisole

BackgroundLevamisole has been shown to have a steroid-sparing effect in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome, but also could produce adverse drug reactions such as reversible neutropenia.PurposeTo determine the effectiveness and...

Modulation of serum smooth muscle antibody levels by levamisole treatment in patients with oral lichen planus

Serum autoantibodies have been found in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP). This study evaluated whether OLP patients had significantly higher frequencies of serum smooth muscle antibody (SMA) than healthy control individuals, and assessed whether levamisole treatment could modulate the serum SMA levels in OLP patients. This study used an indirect immunofluorescence technique to measure the baseline serum SMA levels in a group of 647 OLP patients and 53 controls. Ninety-five SMA-positive OLP patients were treated with levamisole under a regular follow-up schedule, and their serum SMA levels were measured after treatment. The frequencies of serum SMA in patients with OLP (21.9%), erosive OLP (EOLP, 21.6%), major EOLP (17.9%), minor EOLP (24.2%), and nonerosive OLP (24.4%) were all significantly higher than that (0%) in healthy controls (all p<0.001). Of 142 SMA-positive OLP patients, 95 were treated with levamisole under a regular follow-up schedule. Treatment with levamisole for a period of 2-29 months (mean, 9.4±6.0 months) effectively reduced the high mean serum SMA titer (71.0±7.2) at baseline to an undetectable level (0) in all SMA-positive OLP patients, regardless of different initial serum SMA titers. There was a significantly higher frequency of serum SMA (21.9%) in OLP patients than in healthy controls. Treatment with levamisole for 2-29 months significantly reduced the high serum SMA to an undetectable level, and significantly improved the signs and symptoms in all treated OLP patients.

High clinical disturbance and mortality in pigeon flocks caused by Hadjelia truncata infection in Sistan, Iran

A large number of birds in 3 pigeon flocks (containing 637 individuals) were severely affected by Hadjelia truncata. This was observed in April 2011 in Sistan District in Iran. In the affected birds, progressive weight loss, weakness, and death were observed. In the necropsy of 8 cases the gizzards were larger and softer than normal and in all of them distortion was detected. Stool examination by the Clayton Lane method revealed 72% infection among domestic pigeons. The hematological analysis of affected birds showed signs of decline in hematocrit and total protein volume. A levamisole treatment program could successfully remove the parasite from pigeon flocks.

Efficacy of levamisole and ivermectin in the control of bovine parasitic gastroenteritis in the sub-humid savanna zone of southeastern Nigeria

Faecal egg count reduction test was used to evaluate the efficacy of levamisole and ivermectin in the control of bovine parasitic gastroenteritis in a part of Nigeria not previously surveyed. Ninety (90) randomly selected N'dama cattle from two herds in Nsukka, Enugu State of Nigeria, were studied. The animals were divided into two groups, namely, levamisole and ivermectin treatment groups. Faecal samples were collected prior to the administration of the respective anthelmintic and faecal egg count/gram of faeces determined. Post-treatment faecal samples were collected after 10 and 14 days of levamisole and ivermectin administration, respectively, and faecal egg count (FEC) determined. Thereafter, the faecal egg count reduction was calculated based on the formula [Formula: see text]. Pooled faecal samples for the respective treatment groups were cultured for larval identification and count. Pre-treatment FEC showed that the animals were readily infected with gastrointestinal nematodes with mean FEC of 233.0 ± 35.13 and 302.0 ± 19.94, respectively, for the levamisole- and ivermectin-treated groups. Post-treatment FEC of 0 was recorded for both groups, showing a 100% reduction of the pre-treatment faecal egg count. We concluded that the anthelmintics used in this work were very effective in the control of bovine parasitic gastroenteritis in the study areas, and no resistance was detected.

The effects of levamisole on oxidative stress induced by copper intoxication in broilers

AIM: To determine the effects of Cu and levamisole on concentrations of Cu and Fe in plasma and liver, and the effects of levamisole on lipid peroxidation induced by Cu intoxication in broiler chickens. METHODS: In a 2×4 factorial study, 80 one-day-old Ross PM3 broiler chicks were fed diets for 21 days containing either 8 mg/kg Cu (Low Cu) or 250 mg/kg Cu (High Cu) and were treated with 0 (L0), 4 (L4), 8 (L8) or 16 (L16) mg/kg bodyweight levamisole per day from Day 7 of the study, on three consecutive days in their drinking water. This treatment was repeated three times, at 3-day intervals. On Day 21, blood samples were collected from each bird for analysis of concentrations of Cu, Fe and malondialdehyde, and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). The birds were killed and liver samples collected for analysis of Cu and Fe. RESULTS: Mean concentrations of Cu and Fe in plasma, and Cu in liver, were increased overall in the High Cu groups compared with the Low Cu groups (p<0.001). Compared with the L0 treatment group on the High Cu diet, treatments L4, L8 and L16 decreased concentrations of Cu in plasma, and L8 and L16 increased concentration of Cu in liver (p<0.05). Mean activities of AST and ALT were increased in untreated birds (L0) fed the High compared with Low Cu diets (p<0.01). In birds receiving the High Cu diet, treatments L4 and L8 decreased activities of AST, and L4 and L16 decreased activity of ALT, compared with L0 (p<0.05). The High Cu diet induced an oxidative stress characterised by increased mean concentrations of malondialdehyde and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and GSH-Px (p<0.001). Concentration of malondialdehyde, and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were not changed following levamisole treatment in birds on the High Cu diet, and activity of GSH-Px was decreased by the L4 and L8 treatments compared with the L0 group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of the study suggest that treatment with levamisole might alleviate the harmful effects of Cu on the liver, as demonstrated by decreased activities of AST and ALT induced by a diet containing 250 mg/kg Cu.

Immunoglobulin changes in boars exposed to administration of levamisole and exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone

The objective of this paper is to determine the effect of levamisole (LEV) immunoglobulin concentration in the serum of boars exposed to three-day stress induced by the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Boars were assigned to four groups (n=7). The first group received LEV for three days (2.5 mg/kg BW), the second group received ACTH (10 g/kg BW) for three days and the third group received LEV for three consecutive days and ACTH on the three following days (2.5 mg/kg BW ; ACTH 10 g/kg BW). The control group received saline solution (1 mL) during the experiment (six days). Concentrations of total protein, globulin, albumin and immunoglobulin concentration (IgG, IgA and IgM) were determined during levamisole, ACTH and levamisole + ACTH combined treatment administration, and during the 16-day post- administration period. Total protein levels were significantly increased during the stress period and over the next sixteen days (p0.01 to p0.0001, respectively) in the ACTH group of boars. However, total protein levels were significantly elevated in the LEV+ACTH group on day 1 and 2 of ACTH injection (p0.05 and p0.001) and on day 5 and the last day of measurement (p0.001 and p0.01). However, the three-day administration of levamisole (LEV) stimulated a statistically significant increase of protein concentrations compared to control values after levamisole treatment, on days 2 and on days 11, 15 and 24 (p0.01, all). Levels of serum albumin were not affected with levamisole or ACTH treatment. According to determined total protein concentrations, globulin concentrations were significantly increased throughout and after the ACTH treatment in the second group (p0.01 to p0.0001, respectively). Also, globulin concentrations were significantly elevated in the LEV+ACTH group throughout the three-day ACTH treatment and in the 16-day post-administration period (p0.05 to p0.01, respectively). The three-day levamisole administration resulted in an increase of globuline concentrations (LEV). However, there were no statistically significant differences in comparison to control pigs. ACTH treatment significantly elevated serum IgG concentration during the stress period (p0.001 to p0.0001, respectively) and over the next 16 days (p0.01 to p0.0001, respectively). However, in the LEV+ACTH group of boars, IgG levels were significantly elevated on days 1 and 3 of ACTH injection (p0.05 and p0.01) and days 1 and 5 in the post-treatment period (p0.01 and p0.05). Administration of levamisole (LEV) had no significant impact on IgG levels compared to the control boar group. However, a statistically significant increase in IgA concentrations in boars treated with levamisole (LEV) was determined on day 2 (p0.02) and day 11 (p0.05) after administration of levamisole compared to animals of the LEV+ACTH group. Furthermore, boars receiving levamisole before stress induction (LEV+ACTH) on day 5 after stress induction had IgM concentrations statistically significantly higher (p0.05) than animals treated only with ACTH. These results show that levamisole may stimulate the immune system in swine and immunoglobulin in the serum of boars exposed to stress.

The effects on immune response of levamisole treatment following infection of U-937 macrophages with Candida albicans

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on the immune response of levamisole alone and in conjunction with Candida albicans stimulation in human macrophage cell culture by determining the alterations in the levels of cytokine release. Levamisole treatment was performed before, during and after infecting U-937 human macrophage cells with C. albicans. In cell supernatants, interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-12, IL-18, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured by ELISA. In vitro levamisole treatment accompanied by C. albicans stimulation significantly increased IL-12, IL-1β and IL-18 production in macrophage cells (p < 0.05). It was observed that when administered before C. albicans infection, levamisole significantly increased IL-12 and IL-1β production in macrophage cells (p < 0.05). Another finding was that when applied to macrophage cells simultaneously with C. albicans infection, or before infection with C. albicans, levamisole suppressed the TNF-β production stimulating effect of C. albicans (p < 0.05). These results indicated that levamisole could be useful in treating patients infected with C. albicans or in protecting individuals under the risk of being infected with this pathogen. There is a need for further experimental and clinical studies on this hypothesis.

Tactical treatment with copper oxide wire particles and symptomatic levamisole treatment using the FAMACHA© system in indigenous goats in South Africa

Haemonchosis is considered to be the most economically important gastrointestinal disease of small ruminants in the tropics and subtropics. However, chemical anthelmintics, which were the mainstay of control, have been compromised by a high prevalence of resistance worldwide. Copper oxide wire particles (COWP) have been shown to have anthelmintic effects, but few studies have examined their use under field conditions. The use of COWP was therefore evaluated as a tactical anthelmintic treatment in indigenous goats raised under communal farming conditions in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. At the beginning of the summer rainfall season (October 2007), the faecal egg counts of 172 female goats belonging to 15 farmers were determined and this sampling continued every four weeks until the second week of January 2008. The goats within each of the 15 herds were ranked according to their faecal egg counts for this week. The goats were sequentially paired off within each ranking starting with those goats with the highest counts. One goat from each pair was randomly allocated to a treated or control group. Two weeks later, a 4g COWP bolus was randomly administered to each goat in the treated group. Faecal egg counts were carried out on the goats two weeks following treatment, and the sampling of the goats then proceeded every four weeks until October 2008. Except for the six-week period prior to the administration of the COWP, the goats were examined according to the FAMACHA© system and symptomatically treated with 12mg/kg levamisole when anaemic. The percentage reduction in faecal egg count due to the COWP treatment was 89.0%. Mean pre- and post-treatment faecal egg counts for the COWP-treated group (n=73) were 2347 eggs per gram of faeces (epg) and 264epg, respectively. The corresponding values for the untreated controls (n=66) were 2652epg and 2709epg. The prevalence of Haemonchus spp. larvae in pre- and post-treatment faecal cultures was 72% and 46%, respectively. Symptomatic anthelmintic treatments in combination with mid-summer tactical treatments with COWP appear to be useful strategies for the control of Haemonchus contortus in indigenous goats in this farming system and this approach could have application in other similar agro-ecological zones.

Modulation of Serum Antinuclear Antibody Levels by Levamisole Treatment in Patients With Oral Lichen Planus

Serum autoantibodies, including antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), have been found in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP). This study evaluated whether Taiwanese OLP patients had significantly higher frequencies of serum ANAs than healthy control subjects, and whether levamisole treatment could modulate the antibody levels. This study used an indirect immunofluorescence technique to measure the baseline serum levels of ANA in a group of 583 Taiwanese OLP patients and 53 healthy control subjects. Seventy-nine ANA-positive OLP patients were treated with levamisole under a regular follow-up schedule in our dental clinic, and their serum ANA levels were measured after treatment. We found that the frequencies of serum ANA in patients with OLP (23.2%), erosive OLP (EOLP, 23.8%), major EOLP (31.5%), and minor EOLP (18.1%) were all significantly higher than that (5.7%) in healthy control subjects. In addition, major EOLP patients had a significantly higher serum ANA positive rate than minor EOLP or non-erosive OLP patients. Of 135 ANA-positive OLP patients, 79 were treated with levamisole under a regular follow-up schedule. We found that treatment with levamisole for a period of 2-38 months (mean, 12 ± 9 months) effectively reduced the high mean serum ANA titer (557 ± 98) at baseline to an undetectable level (0) in all ANA-positive OLP patients, regardless of different high initial serum titers of ANA. There was a significantly higher frequency of serum ANA (23.2%) in Taiwanese OLP patients than in healthy control subjects. Treatment with levamisole for 2-38 months reduced the high serum ANA to an undetectable level, and significantly improved the signs and symptoms in all treated OLP patients.

Modulation of Serum Anti-thyroglobulin and Anti-thyroid Microsomal Autoantibody Levels by Levamisole in Patients With Oral Lichen Planus

Several types of serum autoantibodies including anti-thyroglobulin (TGA) and anti-thyroid microsomal autoantibody (TMA) were detected in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP). This study evaluated whether Chinese OLP patients had significantly higher frequencies of serum TGA and TMA than healthy control subjects, and whether levamisole treatment could modulate serum TGA and TMA levels in Chinese OLP patients. This study used a semi-quantitative microtiter particle agglutination test to measure the baseline serum levels of TGA and TMA in a group of 278 Chinese OLP patients and 53 healthy control subjects. Forty-one TGA-positive and 48 TMA-positive OLP patients were treated with levamisole for a complete period of 1 year, and their serum TGA and TMA levels were measured after treatment. We found that the frequencies of serum TGA and TMA in patients with OLP (21.6% and 24.5%, respectively), erosive OLP (21.8% and 24.5%, respectively), or non-erosive OLP (19.0% and 23.8%, respectively) were significantly higher than those (1.9% and 1.9%, respectively) in healthy control subjects. After 1 year of levamisole treatment, the serum TGA and TMA titers decreased partially or became undetectable in 36 (88%) TGA-positive and 46 (96%) TMA-positive OLP patients. At least 9 months or 3 months of levamisole treatment were needed to reduce the mean serum TGA or TMA titer to a significantly lower level in OLP patients, respectively. Significantly higher frequencies of serum TGA and TMA were found in Chinese OLP patients than in healthy control subjects. After 1 year of levamisole treatment, serum TGA and TMA levels were reduced partially or became undetectable in approximately 88% of TGA-positive and 96% of TMA-positive OLP patients.

The effect of levamisole and levamisole + vitamin C on oxidative damage in rats naturally infected with Syphacia muris

This study was performed to determine the effects of levamisole and levamisole + vitamin C against Syphacia muris naturally infection in rats and to detect its effect on the oxidative parameters in blood and tissues of host. For this purpose, natural infection was diagnosed using the cellophane tape method on the perianal region of rats. Infected rats (total 18) were divided into three groups. On the other hand six without helminth rats were used in this study as negative control group. Group 2 was given an orally levamisole HCl treatment with gastric gavage at a dose level of 20 mg/kg body weight in distilled water, every alternate day. Group 3 was given levamisole HCl via gastric gavage at a dose level of 20 mg/kg and vitamin C was given 1 g/L added to the drinking water. All the treatments continued for a period of 7 days. As a result; levamisole administered to rats at dose of 20 mg/kg orally 98.34% was found to be effective against adult S. muris in the rats. In addition to levamisole + vitamin C is effective to alleviate the oxidative damage in rats infected with S. muris.

Effect of feeding Mucuna pruriens on helminth parasite infestation in lambs

Ethnopharmacological relevance Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume anecdotally reputed to have anthelmintic properties. This study was conducted to examine the validity of such claims. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to determine if ingestion of Mucuna seeds reduces helminth parasite infestation in lambs. Materials and methods Thirty-six Dorper × Katahdin ram lambs were assigned to three treatments, a cottonseed meal based control diet, a diet in which Mucuna replaced cottonseed meal and the control diet with levamisole (7.5 mg/kg body weight) administration. All diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric. The 12 lambs in each treatment were assigned randomly to 4 pens, each containing 3 lambs. Lambs were trickle infected three times per week by gavage with infectious Haemonchus contortus larvae (2000 larvae/lamb) for 3 weeks. Results Levamisole treatment decreased fecal egg counts by 87% and abomasal worm counts by 83%. Mucuna intake did not statistically affect fecal egg counts or abomasal worm counts, though numerical ( P > 0.10) reductions of 7.4% and 18.1%, respectively were evident. Anemia indicators, feed intake, and lamb growth were unaffected by treatment. Conclusions Levamisole reduced the Haemonchus parasite burden in lambs significantly but feeding Mucuna reduced the burden by levels unlikely to eliminate the clinical effects of parasitism.

Anthelmintic resistance in cattle nematodes in northwestern São Paulo State, Brazil

The present study was carried out in the northwestern region of São Paulo State, Brazil, to determine the anthelmintic resistance status in cattle naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. The anthelmintics tested were levamisole phosphate (Ripercol ®, Fort Dodge), albendazole sulphoxide (Ricobendazole, Fort Dodge), ivermectin (Ivomec ®, Merial) and moxidectin (Cydectin ®, Fort Dodge), administered at the doses recommended by the manufacturers. From April 2002 to May 2004, 25 cattle farms were evaluated. On each farm, steers were divided into treatment and control (not treated) groups based on fecal egg counts (FEC). Between 7 and 10 days after the anthelmintics administration, fecal samples were collected from each animal for post-treatment FEC. Fecal cultures from each group were also prepared for larval identification. After treatment, mean FEC reduction (FECR) in treatment groups (compared with control groups) was assessed on each farm. FECR was lower than 90% on 23 farms after ivermectin treatment. On 19 farms, FECR of 100% was recorded following moxidectin treatment; on the remaining 6, FECR ranged from 90% to 97.2%. After albendazole treatment, FECR was higher than 90% on 20 farms and ranged from 47.4% to 84.6% on other 5. After levamisole treatment, FECR was higher than 90% on 23 farms and equal to 47.4% and 73.7% on other 2 farms. Results indicated the presence of resistant Cooperia spp. and Haemonchus spp., especially to ivermectin; on some farms, resistance to albendazole and levamisole was also observed.