Effect of ivermectin on experimental trichinosis.

Ivermectin is a potent macrolytic lactone causing paralysis in many nematodes and arthropods through an influx of chloride ions across cell membranes. This work was carried out to assess its effect against T. spiralis infection in Swiss albino mice as a single dose treatment. Ivermectin was administered to infected mice: one day before, the same day, 5, 10 and 35 days post Trichinella infection. Assessment of the drug effect was through: a) Parasitological study which included: adult count, Larval count, measurements of the length of the adult females, larvae and the reproductive capacity index; b) Scanning electron microscopic study of the adult & larva. Scanning EM changes were described, the results showed that it was most effective when administered on the same day of infection, its effect diminished progressively thereafter.