Evaluation by larval recovery of mebendazole activity in experimental murine toxocariasis.

We have studied the action of mebendazole on experimental murine toxocariasis using different formulations and vehicles. The treatment efficacy was evaluated by larval recovery after digesting several tissues. In the first part of the experiment, the drugs were administered on days 1-3 post infection (p.i.) inclusive (hepato-pulmonary phase of the migration), then the animals were sacrificed by the 1st week p.i. In the second part of the experimental protocol, the treatments were administered on days 4-6 p.i. inclusive (myotropic-neurotropic phase of the migration), with sacrifice of the animals by the 7th week p.i. The 2nd pattern of treatment reduced more effectively the total larval recoveries compared with control animals. However, the larval distribution by organs was scarcely affected. The first pattern of treatment reduced less effectively the total number of larvae, but it significantly inhibited migration.