In vitro culture of Echinococcus multilocularis: protoscolicidal action of praziquantel and albendazole sulphoxide.

The metacestode stage of Echinococcus multilocularis was cultured in vitro. Sensitivity of protoscoleces to the presence of albendazole sulphoxide, praziquantel and methanol was assessed. 10 micrograms/litre of praziquantel or 500 micrograms/litre of albendazole sulphoxide significantly reduced protoscolex viability. The presence of methanol (at 0.25%) had no significant effect. In vitro culture of E. multilocularis can be used to assess possible chemotherapeutic agents.