Serological changes observed in horses infected with Anoplocephala perfoliata after treatment with praziquantel and natural reinfection
- J. B. Abbott, BVM&S, CertEM(IntMed), DipECEIM, MRCVS1,
- D. J. Mellor, BVMS, PhD, MRCVS2,
- E. J. Barrett, BSc, MSc3,
- C. J. Proudman, MA, VetMB, PhD, CertEO, FRCVS4 and
- S. Love, BVMS, PhD, MRCVS1
- 1 Division of Companion Animal Sciences
- 2 Division of Animal Production and Public Health, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH
- 3 Virbac Ltd, Woolpit Business Park, Windmill Avenue, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9UP
- 4 Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Leahurst, Neston CH64 7TE
- Mr Abbott's present address is Oakham Veterinary Hospital, Ashwell Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 7QH
Abstract
The serological changes in two groups of horses known to be harbouring Anoplocephala perfoliata were studied; 12 were treated with 1·5 mg/kg praziquantel and 200 μg/kg ivermectin, and 14 were treated with 200 μg/kg ivermectin. Serological and faecal analyses were carried out on each animal at intervals for 758 days. The titres of antibodies specific for A perfoliata decreased from the day of treatment to day 28 in both groups, and continued to decrease in the group treated with praziquantel and ivermectin, with the first significant decrease from the other group at day 121. From day 151 to day 295 the first significant increase in antibody levels in the group treated with both drugs was observed; no A perfoliata eggs were detected in the faeces of these animals until day 295 when five of the 10 were positive.
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