STUDIES ON THE CURATIVE AND PROPHYLACTIC CONCENTRATIONS OF ISOMETAMIDIUM CHLORIDE IN THE TREATMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL Trypanosoma congolense INFECTION IN RED SOKOTO BUCKS

Abstract

The effectiveness of therapeutic and prophylactic drug concentrations of isometamidium chloride (ISMTX) was studied in Trypanosoma congolense infected Red Sokoto bucks (RSB). Sixteen R.S.B were divided into four groups of four animals each: Group I (1 % ISMTX), Group II (2 % ISMTX), Group III (3% ISMTX) and Group IV (uninfected and untreated-Control). Groups I, II and III bucks were inoculated with approximately 1x10 trypanosomes intravenously each. Parasitemia was monitored on wet-mount and mHCT throughout the study. Clinical signs, rectal temperature, PCV, Total white blood cell count (TWBCC), differential leucocyte count were monitored. Group I, II and III were treated with 1 %, 2%, and 3 % isometamidium chloride at the dose rate of 0.5 mg/kg body weight intramuscularly. 2 % and 3 % ISMTX groups were re-infected post-treatment to test their chemoprophylaxis. Statistical analysis using One way -ANOVA was employed P<0.05 considered significant. The 1% ISMTX had relapse post-treatment while the parasite in 2 % and 3 % ISMTX groups appeared following re-infection. Pale mucous membranes, pyrexia, inappetance, depression, epiphora and nasal discharges were among the clinical signs observed. There was a significant difference (P<0.001) in the daily mean rectal temperature post-infection and post-treatment between the test groups and the control group. A significant difference (P<0.001) in the PCV was also noted in all the three groups post-infection and post-treatment. The TWBCC in all the three test groups differed significantly (P<0.001) post-infection and post-treatment compared with the control group. A significant (P<0.01) lymphopenia was noted post-infection and post- treatment respectively. The 1% isometamidiuim was effective in the treatment of trypanosomiosis according to this study but not curative while the 2 % and 3 % isometamidium chloride were both effective and curative for the period of observation. The chemoprophylaxis of the 2 % and 3 % isometamidium chloride based on this study was five weeks and four weeks respectively.