In vitro effect of praziquantel on Paragonimus westermani by light and scanning electron microscopic observation.

The effect of praziquantel on P. westermani exposed in vitro was observed by stereomicroscope, light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Following results were found. The worms incubated in 0.01 micro-g/ml praziquantel were moving after 26-hour incubation. However, all of them were immobilized immediately after incubation in solutions over 0.1 micro-g/ml concentration. All of the exposed worms showed severe vacuolization not only in tegument but in subtegument, intestine, ovary, testis, Mehlis' gland and excretory bladder. Vacuoles in tegument burst out to form craters. As incubation time went on, tegumental structure was disintegrated severely. The worms exposed to praziquantel were observed to be immobilized and be vacuolized of all tissues. Disintegration of reproductive organs suggests that praziquantel have suppressive effect on egg production when the flukes are not killed. The drug effects were found more related with incubation time than with drug concentration.