EFFECTS OF SENSITIZATION ON EFFICACY OF MEBENDAZOLE IN MICE INFECTED WITH ADULT ANGIOSTRONGYLUS-COSTARICENSIS

The relation between immunopotentiation and efficacy of mebendazole in sensitized mice infected with adult Angiostrongylus costaricensis was investigated. When compared with the non-treated control, the sensiti zed control showed better results in almost all parameters with a few mice being positive for the first-stage larvae in feces and eggs in th e intestinal section. The results suggest development of protective im munity in the sensitized mice though it was not completely effective f or inhibiting infection, worm growth and their functions. The immunity seemed to be developed by producing specific antibodies against the l arvae by sensitization. Among 4 infected groups, the sensitized-treate d group had the best results in all parameters especially in worm reco very and worm body length which referred that drug action was enhanced by the sensitization.