Which statement best describes endoparasite treatment in laboratory animals?

• A. Endoparasites are treated with antibiotics.
• B. Endoparasites are treated with antifungals.
• C. Endoparasite infections are treated with agents such as ivermectin, fenbendazole, and pyrantel pamoate.
• D. Endoparasites cannot be treated.

Answer: (C)

Endoparasite treatment relies on drugs that specifically target internal parasites rather than bacteria or fungi. Antibiotics treat bacteria, and antifungals treat fungi, so they don’t clear endoparasite infections. In laboratory animals, infections caused by nematodes and other internal parasites are commonly treated with antiparasitics such as ivermectin, fenbendazole, and pyrantel pamoate. Ivermectin disrupts neural signaling in many GI nematodes, leading to paralysis and death. Fenbendazole interferes with parasite microtubule function and glucose uptake, giving broad-spectrum activity against nematodes. Pyrantel pamoate acts as a neuromuscular blocker to paralyze worms, aiding their expulsion. These agents are standard for reducing parasite burden and improving animal health under veterinary oversight, though dosing, duration, and suitability can vary by species and parasite, and not all parasites respond to these drugs.