The effect of niclosamide on Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia hydatigena and Taenia ovis infections in dogs.

The effect of niclosamide (particle size 1 micron m) and its piperazine salt (particle size 5-10 micron m) on Echinococcus granulosus and Taenia hydatigena has been investigated. The piperazine salt of niclosamide was also tested for activity against Taenia ovis. These trials involved 326 dogs. Irrespective of particle size, the drug was found to be virtually inactive against 28-day-old E granulosus. Some evidence was found indicating that there may be a low degree of activity against 70-day-old worms. The drug was found to be effective at 32 mg/kg and 64 mg/kg against T hydatigena and 50 mg/kg against T ovis. Some evidence was obtained that milk decrease the efficiency of the piperazine salt against T hydatigena at the lower dose rates. Micronisation of the drug did not increase the efficiency against this parasite. Vomiting and diarrhoea were common sequelae.