Main Article Content

Comparative evaluation of the chemotherapeutic efficacies of two salts of diminazene aceturate in Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected dogs


Ukamaka U. Eze
Ifeanyi G. Eke
Ikenna O. Ezeh
Terry A. Nzeakor
Callistus Owube
Ann Dede
Boniface M. Anene

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the anti-trypanosomal efficacies of 4,4-(diazoaminedibenzamidinetrihydrate) diacetate (4,4-DDBT) and 4,4-(diazoamino) benzamidine (4,4-DB) in experimental canine trypanosomosis.


Methods: The efficacies of 4,4-DDBT and 4,4-DB were evaluated in 4 groups of dogs (n = 3) designated A-D. Group A was normal control without infection or drug treatment, group B did not receive any drug treatment but was infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei, while groups C and D were infected with T. b. brucei and treated with 4,4-DDBT(3.5 mg/kg) and 4,4-DB (3.5 mg/kg), respectively.


Results: The incubation period of the infection was 6 - 9 days post-infection. Treatment of the dogs with 4,4-DDBT led to zero parasitaemia 48 h post-treatment, while there was only a decrease in parasitemia to log 6 in 4,4-DB-treated dogs. Resurgence of parasite into the blood stream occurred in 4,4-DDBTtreated dogs 6 days after initial parasite clearance. Blood analyses post-treatment revealed elevated leucocytes and lymphocytes in 4,4-DB-treated dogs (p < 0.05). Packed cell volume was also observed to be higher in 4,4-DDBT-treated group when compared to 4,4-DB group (p < 0.05).


Conclusion: These findings suggest that 4,4-DDBT is more efficacious in the clinical management of canine trypanosomosis caused by T. b. brucei. However, it does not prevent relapse of infection. Based on these findings, therefore, 4,4-DDBT should be the diminazene salt of choice when indicated in the clinical management of T. b. brucei infection in dogs.


Journal Identifiers


eISSN: 1596-9827
print ISSN: 1596-5996