A comparison of the effects of albendazole, its sulphone metabolite, and mebendazole on the viability of protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus in an in vitro culture system.

The effects of albendazole, its sulphone metabolite and mebendazole on the viability of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces in vitro were investigated. Significant reductions in viability occurred in cultures treated with albendazole parent compound at 100 micrograms/litre, but lower concentrations were ineffective. The sulphone metabolite of albendazole had no significant effect at concentrations of 50 and 100 micrograms/litre over periods of up to 71 days. Mebendazole induced significant reductions in viability at 100 micrograms/litre.