The minimum effective dose of praziquantel in treatment of Hymenolepis diminuta in rats.

To determine the minimum effective dose of praziquantel against Hymenolepis diminuta in rats, 5.0 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, or 0.05 mg/kg praziquantel were given to each of five experimentally infected rats in six groups. Faecal samples from each rat were examined on ten consecutive days following treatment. The rats were killed and examined for worms on day 10. Based on the results of faecal examination and autopsy, the minimum effective dose of praziquantel against Hymenolepis diminuta in rats was determined to be 0.5 mg/kg.