Comparison of nitroxynil, praziquantel and their combination in the treatment against natural infections of Eurytrema coelomaticum in cattle.

Abstract

Eurytrematosis is a parasitic disease caused by trematodes of the genus Eurytrema sp. that primarily affects the pancreatic ducts of ruminants, resulting in chronic interstitial pancreatitis and ductal obstruction. Although this disease has been underreported in the past, recent studies have shown a high prevalence in ruminants from the north-central region of northwestern Argentina. Despite its epidemiologic importance, treatment options remain limited, with few anthelmintics available and controversial efficacy. In vitro evidence suggests that praziquantel (PZQ) and nitroxinil (NTX) may be promising agents, but their in vivo efficacy is unclear. This study evaluated the efficacy of PZQ and NTX, administered alone or in combination, in naturally infected cattle. A controlled trial was conducted in Montecarlo, Misiones, Argentina, using 50 steers with high fecal egg counts. Animals were divided into five groups: control, NTX, PZQ (two regimens) and combined treatment. Fecal egg counts were evaluated before and after treatment, and pancreatic parasite loads after treatment when the animals were slaughtered. Results showed that none of the treatments significantly reduced egg shedding or pancreatic parasite load, and even increases in egg counts were observed in some groups. These results suggest limited in vivo efficacy of both drugs against Eurytrema coelomaticum. Therefore, further studies are needed to optimize treatment strategies and to investigate alternative approaches for the control of bovine euritrematosis.