Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (McAb) directed against Trichomonas vaginalis have been produced by fusing NSI myeloma cells with spleen cells of BALB/c mice immunized with Trichomonas vaginalis.IFA technique was used to test the binding activity of four McAbs produced.The McAb belonged to the IgG subtypes IgGl(2A2,2A4 McAb),IgG3 (2H9 McAb) and IgG 2b (2A12 McAb).Three McAbs,designated 2A2,2A4,2A12,reacted with a surface membrane component of live Trichomonas vaginalis.One (2A12) of them produced com-plement-dependent cytolysis of the parasites.Others (2A2.2A4) produced complement-independent cytotoxicity of the parasites.2H9 McAb which reacted with the nucleus of the organisms did not agglutinate the parasites.The four McAbs which did not have cross reaction with some protozoa of Zoomastigophorea species were specific antibodies against Trichomonas vaginalis.(Figs.1-3)

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new formulation of albendazole emulsion (AbzE) in cases of liver cystic hydatidosis.

METHODSTwo regimens of AbzE (10 mg.kg(-1).d(-1) and 12.5 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)) were given to 212 patients with liver cystic hydatidosis in courses ranging from 3 months to more than one year. Assessment of drug efficacy was essentially based on imaging signs with ultrasonography as the main tool. Assessments were performed at the end of different courses and in the follow-up study of 1 - 4 years after the cessation of therapy.

RESULTSAt the end of therapeutic courses, the overall cure rate of the 212 cases was 74.5%, with a 99.1% effective rate. In the follow-up study, the cure rate was 83.1%, effective rate was 89.3%, ineffective rate was 0.6%, and recurrence rate was 10.2%. The highest cure rate was observed in cases receiving AbzE 12.5 mg.kg(-1).d(-1) for 9 months. Retreatment of recurrent cases with AbzE obtained satisfactory results.

CONCLUSIONSAbzE surpassed other currently used antihydatidosis drugs or formulations with its promising efficacy and mild side effects, and could be recommended as a drug of choice in the treatment of cystic hydatidosis.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Albendazole ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Echinococcosis, Hepatic ; drug therapy ; Emulsions ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged