Comparison of Free and Liposomal Levamisole Antiparasitic Activity in Sheep

Worldwide, parasitic organisms residing in the digestive systems of sheep cause substantial economic losses. Various antiparasitic chemicals are employed to combat parasites, mostly levamisole. Nevertheless, parasites have developed resistance to the treatments employed in recent years. Consequently, scientists are currently seeking more effective medicinal compositions. The utilization of liposomes is one of the most extensively studied techniques to enhance pharmaceutical efficacy. This study assessed the antiparasitic efficacy of both free and liposomal levamisole. In this study four groups, each containing 12 animals, were formed: Group 1; free levamisole group (FLOG) received a single oral dose of free levamisole at 7.5 mg/kg; Group 2; liposomal levamisole group (LLOG) received a single oral dose of liposomal levamisole at 7.5 mg/kg; Group 3; (Positive Control: PCG) received a single oral dose of physiological serum at 7.5 mg/kg, and Group 4; served as the negative control (NCG). Fecal specimens were collected from the rectum into sterile containers on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. The McMaster method was employed in the study to quantify eggs per gram of feces (EPG) loading. The efficacy of treatment groups was assessed using the Fecal Egg Count Reduction (FECR) formula. According to the FECR formula, Strongylids had a treatment efficacy of 65.36% in the FLOG group and 70.67% in the LLOG group, Trichuris had 41.78% and 74.22%, and Nematodirus had 52.78% and 71.85%. The efficacy of treatment was higher in the liposomal levamisole group compared to the free levamisole group. This study established the antiparasitic efficacy of liposomal levamisole for the first time. Further research are required to evaluate the antiparasitic effects of liposomal levamisole through the administration of varied and recurrent doses.