Studies on Some Trypanocidal Drugs

Abstract

Efficacy of a number of trypanocidal drugs against Trypanosoma evansi was studied in albino mice and Nubian goats. In the experiment carried out on goats, a number of kidney and liver function tests were employed and the results correlated with clinical and pathological changes. Berenil (diminazene aceturate) was found to be highly effective against T. evansi in goats and was non–toxic to them at single intramuscular doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg. Doses of 40 mg/kg of Berenil or above caused toxic reactions and death. Clinical, pathological chemical, and haematological changes associated with successful therapy of T. evansi in goats were described. No trypanosomes were detected in the blood stream and tissues of Berenil treated goats. Berenil also effectively acted against T. evansi in mice at single doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg. There were relapses in mice treated with single doses of 3.5 mg/ kg of Berenil. Samorin (isometamedium chloride) was effective against T. evansi in mice especially when given in single intraperitoneal doses of 10 mg/kg. Administration of 40 mg/kg of Samorin or above caused rapid death of mice and there were severe haemorrhages, degeneration and congestion in the vital organs. Activity of naganol, antrycide, antrycide prosalt, I.C.I. 13953/12, daraprim and diampron against T. evansi in mice was studied and compared with that of Berenil and Samorin. Main signs of Berenil poisoning in camels were hyperaesthesia, salivation, intermittent convulsion, frequent urination and defaecation, itching and sweating. Damage to the liver and kidneys of Berenil poisoned camels was accompanied by increases in the activity of GOT and in concentrations of ammonia in the serum and depletion of the activity of adenosine triphosphatase, 5- nucleotidase, succinic tetrazolium reductase and glucose -6- phosphatase.