Comparative Efficacy Study of Homidium Bromde, Diminazene Aceturate and Their combination in New Zealand White Rabbits Experimentally Infected with Trypanosoma Congolense.

Abstract

Keywords: Trypanocides, Combination therapy, Haematology, Drug resistance Comparative efficacy study of homidium bromide (Ethidium®), diminazene aceturate (Berenil®) and their combination (Ethidium®) was conducted on New Zealand while male rabbits experimentally infected with T. congolense. Parasitaemia was accompanied by significant depression of haematological parameters 28 days post-inoculation. While ethidium, berenil and their combination reduced trypanosomes to non-detectable levels in the blood. The average percentage restoration of haematological parameters to normal range 14 days post-treatment varied considerably; trypanocide combination (85%), ethidium (73%) and berenil (65%). The higher efficacy of trypanocide combination compared to single drug therapy and the usefulness of drug combination as a temporary measure to minimizing development of drug resistance is highlighted. Trop. Vet. Vol. 20(3) 2002: 153-158