Use of topical selamectin for the treatment of Trichosomoides crassicauda infection in laboratory rats

The present study investigated the efficacy of topical selamectin for elimination of naturally acquired Trichosomoides crassicauda infection in rats. Twelve T. crassicauda-positive rats were assigned to the treatment group and six rats were assigned to the control group. Selamectin (6 mg/kg) was applied topically to the skin in a single spot at the base of the neck in front of the scapulae in the treatment group. To assess the efficacy of the treatment, animal faeces were investigated with the use of the flotation technique on days 0, 4, 14 and 24 after selamectin application. The rats of the treatment and control groups were necropsied on the day 24. In the treatment group, 7 of 12 infected rats were cured completely. Topical selamectin was found to be effective in eliminating T. crassicauda infection in rats.