[In vitro effect of medicinal scorpion on the larvae of Ancylostoma caninum].

Five gram stool sample from dog infected with Ancylostoma caninum was smeared on filter paper for routine cultivation under 35 degrees C with moist condition for 24 hours. Hookworm larvae were separated and divided into 3 bottles through precipitation-washing method. Traditional Chinese medicine scorpion (2 ml), albendazole (10 mg) and normal saline (2 ml) (control) were added respectively into the 3 bottles, which were cultured for another 24 hours. The growth and development of the larvae were observed under microscope. In scorpion group, the larva body shrank, development stopped, and with an unclear internal structure. Treated with albendazole, the larvae became rigid and shriveled with rough body surface and vague internal structure. The results indicate that both medicinal scorpion and albendazole have considerable effect in inhibiting the development of hookworm larvae and the effect of albendazole is stronger.