TOXOCARA-CANIS IN MICE - ARE LIPOSOMES AND IMMUNOMODULATOR ABLE TO ENHANCE THE LARVICIDAL EFFECT OF THE ANTHELMINTIC

The efficacy of albendazole (ABZ) and liposomized ABZ combined with li posomized glucan against Toxocara canis larvae in the muscles and brai n of mice was investigated during the chronic phase of the experimenta l infection (from day 28th p. i.). A significant reduction of the larv al count was recorded in the muscles and brain of mice treated with li posomized ABZ during five days (total doses 100, 150 and 350 mg.kg(-1) ) in combination with liposomized glucan (one dose 5 mg.kg(-1)) compar ed to the mice treated with ABZ (total dose 100 mg.kg(-1) b. w.). The efficacy of the preparations against larvae in the brain was almost tw ice higher than against larvae in the muscles. These results indicate the important role of liposomes in prolongation of the ABZ level in th e body, what resulted in the enhancement of the drugs efficacy.