NIPPOSTRONGYLUS-BRASILIENSIS INFECTION IN THE RAT - EFFECT OF IRON AND PROTEIN-DEFICIENCY ON THE ANTHELMINTIC EFFICACY OF MEBENDAZOLE, PYRANTEL, PIPERAZINE, AND LEVAMISOLE

The benzimidazole anthelmintics mebendazole and fenbendazole were much less effective against N. brasiliensis infections in the rat on a combined Fe and protein deficient diet. The anthelmintic efficacy of mebendazole was significantly impaired in the rat on either an Fe or protein deficient diet. Fe and protein deficiency also reduced the efficacy of the anthelmintics pyrantel and piperazine but not levamisole. The finding that nutritional deficiencies reduce anthelmintic efficacy may be relevant to worm eradication program in Fe deficient and protein calorie malnourished populations.