Prophylactic effect of albendazole in experimental peritoneal hydatidosis.

To determine the effectiveness of prophylactic short-term administration of albendazole in experimental peritoneal hydatidosis this substance was given at a dose of 15 mg/kg for 96 hours prior to scolex implantation. In contrast to the 81.8% of the controls, only 11.1% of the experimental animals developed intraperitoneal hydatidosis over a period of 18 weeks (p < 0.001). The newly defined cyst index was also decreased from 2.09 to 0.22 by the administration of albendazole (p < 0.005). It is concluded that albendazole, when given for 96 hours prior to any suspected intraperitoneal spillage of viable hydatid cyst contents could significantly reduce secondary peritoneal hydatidosis.