Viability of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices at different conditions.

The aim of this study was to examine the longest survival time of Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices stored at different humidities and constant temperatures from -10 to +40 degrees C. Sheep livers containing hydatid cysts obtained from slaughterhouses were taken to the laboratory within 3h and transferred into incubation cabinet previously set at -10, 0, +10, +20, +30 and +40 degrees C with different relative humidity (RH). Viability of protoscolices was assessed by 0.1% eosin staining. The longest survival times were 3 days at -10 degrees C (50% RH), 36 days at 0 degrees C (60% RH), 28 days at 10 degrees C (65% RH), 12 days at 20 degrees C (70% RH), 4 days at 30 degrees C (75% RH) and 3 days at 40 degrees C (80% RH).

[Efficacy of praziquantel injectable solution against feline and canine tapeworms.]. / Praziquantel Enjeksiyonluk Cözeltinin Kedi ve Köpek Sestodlarina Etkisi.

Praziquantel, which has been used in the treatment and control of canine and feline tapeworm infections for about 35 years, has not been tested against these parasites for a long period in Turkey. This study was performed to evaluate the current efficacy of praziquantel against dog and cat tapeworms. Praziquantel injectable solution was administered to 26 dogs (14 of them were infected with Dipylidium caninum, 8 with Taenia spp and 2 with Echinococcus granulosus, 2 with both Dipylidium caninum and Taenia spp) and 2 cats (infected with Joyeuxiella pasqualei) subcutaneously at a dose of 0.1 ml/kg (5.68 mg active ingredient/kg). After treatment, animals were put in individual cages and their feces were taken daily for examination. Feces were examined macroscopically for tapeworm segments and scolexes and microscopically for tapeworm eggs by Fülleborn's flotation and Teleman's sedimentation (for fatty stools). To confirm results of analysis the examinations after treatment were repeated until two subsequent fecal analyses were negative. The parasites disappeared from the feces of all infected animals in 2 or 3 days after the treatment and the drug was found to be 100% effective against both dog and cat tapeworms. No adverse reactions were observed in both dogs and cats treated.