A new primary screening test for anthelmintics utilizing the parasitic stages of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, in vitro.

A new in vitro test suitable for the large scale screening of chemical compounds for anthelmintic activity is described. The test which utilizes the fourth larval and adult stages of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in a medium capable of supporting the growth and development of the parasite, detects selectively those compounds which possess either broad spectrum anthelmintic or specific anti-trichostrongyle activity. The screen is easy to operate requiring only minute quantities of experimental compound. It renders fully reproducible results which furthermore can be interpreted objectively. This is the first reported in vitro test directed against the parasitic stages of a nematode that is capable of detecting reliably the activity of a wide range of anthelmintics including thiophanate and all the benzimidazoles.