Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of the Anthelmintic Effects of Some Anthelmintic Drugs on Poultry Nematode, Ascaridia galli

Ascaridia galli Schrank, 1788, is by far the most prevalent and thereby the most important parasite of poultry and wild birds.It is an intestinal nematode causing a range of health problems and pathological complications such as anaemia, droopiness, emaciation and diarrhoea (Brar et al., 2016).The primary effect is loss of nutrient absorption, and severe condition that can lead to death (Gauly et al., 2005).In hens, infection causes loss of appetite, weight loss, Research ArticleAbstract | Praziquantel/pyrantel pamoate (PZQ/PTP) combination and albendazole (ABZ) are two commercially available anthelmintic drugs most commonly used for the treatment of different helminth infections.Their anthelmintic activity was studied in vitro against the poultry nematode, Ascaridia galli.Although both the drugs were effective, ABZ showed most prominent activity.Scanning electron microscopy of the nematodes revealed structural damaged induced by the drugs.Shrinkage of the cuticle, collapse of the lips, and formation of cuticular folds were the defining anthelmintic effects.Comparison based the drug efficacy and anthelmintic effects indicates that ABZ can be the drug of choice for helminthiasis due to nematodes.