Anthelmintic activity of mebendazole in equines.

The research article focuses on testing the efficiency of mebendazole as a drug used in the treatment of worm infections in equines, specifically horses and donkeys. It was found to be effective against adult worms of numerous genera, but not all. The succeeding paragraphs provide a more detailed explanation.

Research Objective and Methodology

• The primary aim of the investigation was to assess the anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) activity of mebendazole in equines – particularly horses and donkeys.
• The procedure involved critical anthelmintic tests on five donkeys and modified versions of these tests on fourteen horses. Mebendazole was administered to these equines in a single dose mixed with their feed. The dosage was adjusted according to their weight – 2g for an animal weighing less than 400 kg.

Research Findings

• The mebendazole dose was reported to be highly efficacious against adult worms of various genera including Strongylus, Aljortia, Delajondia, and more. However, it was not effective against Habronema, Trichostrongylus, and Strongyloides genera.
• The potency of mebendazole against fourth-stage larvae of the Trichonema genus varied significantly, ranging from 10 to 100 percent.
• The research emphasized that critical tests are unsuitable for testing efficacy against these larval stages of Trichonema.

Research Interpretation

• These findings illuminate the potential of mebendazole as an effective anthelmintic drug for treating various worm infestations in equines. Its comprehensive potency across numerous worm genera is significant.
• However, it is noteworthy that the drug was not effective against some worm genera and its variable effect on Trichonema larvae calls for alternative testing approaches, since critical tests were found unfit for testing this stage.