AMOEBICIDAL, TRICHOMONICIDAL, AND ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTS OF NIRIDAZOLE IN LABORATORY ANIMALS

As reported in the literature, there is a potentially wide spectrum of antiparasitic and antibacterial activity in the chemical group of nitroheterocyclic compounds. The schistosomicide Ambilhar (niridazole) is an example of a single compound exhibiting anthelminthic, antiprotozoal, and antibacterial properties. A description is given of some of these properties, as revealed in laboratory experiments. The antiamoebic activity of Ambilhar is superior to that of emetine and chloroquine. This statement applies not only to its curative effect against amoebic liver infection, but also to its amoebicidal activity in the rat intestine. With regard to trichomonicidal activity, reference is made to metronidazole as the chemotherapy of choice in trichomoniasis. When mice are used as test models, however, Ambilhar proves active at the same dosage level as metronidazole. In mice, Ambilhar also displays a distinctive spectrum of antibacterial activity; its effect on various types of Enterobacteriaceae, including Salmonella and Shigella species, is of particular interest. Copyright © 1969, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved