The effect of corticosteroids on the cysticerci of Taenia ovis in sheep.

The effect of two synthetic corticosteroids on the cysticerci of Taenia ovis in sheep has been investigated. Dexamethasone given from four days before infection had no effect on the number of cysticerci recovered but did enhance their survival. When betamethasone was used there was an increase in the number of cysts compared with controls. Corticosteroids given for 12 days after infection did not increase the number of viable cysticerci recovered at autopsy three months later but when treatment was continued until the time of autopsy, a very high proportion of cysticerci were viable.