Laboratory trials on oxamniquine (UK-4271) , a candidate schistosomicide
Fripp, P.J.
Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 76(12): 316-320
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5304 PMID: 4203813 Document Number: 61234
White mice and Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis were exposed to 200 to 300 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae by the partial immersion method; Cercopithecus aethiops were exposed to 500 cercariae applied as an aqueous suspension to the inguinal region and fed nicarbazin 6 weeks after infection to suppress schistosome oogenesis. No clear pattern of cure or suppression could be seen in faecal egg counts and autopsies of the rodents given dosages of up to 60 mg/kg body-weight of oxamniquine (UK-4271) in "Cremophor EL" intramuscularly starting 10 weeks after infection. 6 monkeys were given oxamniquine in 25% polyethylene glycol 300 in saline 219 days after infection. Both monkeys given 25 mg/kg oxamniquine were free of viable faecal eggs 6 weeks after treatment and remained free up to the 35th week. One of the 2 given 12.5 mg/kg was similarly cured, the other one showing significant reduction in viable faecal ova. Reductions in 2 monkeys given 5 mg were transient. One monkey given 35 mg/kg was cleared within 4 weeks. Oral treatment with capsules was given 331 days after infection. 2 monkeys given 40 mg/kg showed reductions in faecal ova, but to a lesser extent than with the injections of smaller doses; 30 mg/kg had little effect. There was little effect on blood biochemistry and no liver pathology.