PREVENTIVE EFFECT OF ARTEMETHER IN RABBITS INFECTED WITH SCHISTOSOMA-JAPONICUM CERCARIAE

AIM: To study the effect of artemether (Art) for prevention of schisto somal infection. METHODS: Rabbits with single infection or reinfection with Schistosoma japonicum cercariae were treated intramuscularly (im ) or intragastrically (ig) with Art 5 -20 mg.kg(-1) on d 7-15 after th e first infection, followed by various regimens. RESULTS: When rabbits were injected im Art 7.5 mg.kg(-1) (ie, one half of the effective dos e given ig on d 7) followed by once every week for twice, the female w orm reduction rate was only 42 %. In infected rabbits treated ig with Art 10-20 mg.kg(-1) given in the same administration schedule, the fem ale worm reduction rates were >91 %. When Art 15 mu g.kg(-1) was given to rabbits on d 7-14 and the following dose of the drug was given at intervals of 7-14 d, the female worm reduction rates were >94 %. In ra bbits reinfected with cercariae, the female reduction rate of Art give n ig once a week for 3 times since d 8 after the first infection was 9 6 % which was similar to that given once a week twice since d 14 after the first infection. CONCLUSION: Art should be given ig on d 7-15 aft er infection, followed by repeated dosing once every 7-15 d for a tota l of 3 doses. Aa given ig daily for 2 consecutive days or given at 1-w k intervals since 7-15 d after infection also showed preventive effect .