Increases in the effects of albendazole on Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes by the dipeptide methyl ester (Phe-Phe-OMe).

Abstract Three months after infection with Echinococcus multilocularis, Mongolian gerbils were given either the dipeptide methyl ester (Phe-Phe-OMe) or a combination of Phe-Phe-OMe plus albendazole to treat alveolar echinococcosis. Each drug was given orally at the daily dose of 50 mg/kg of body weight following various administration regimens. Histologic and ultrastructural studies of parasites recovered from infected gerbil tissues showed that the dipeptide methyl ester increases the effect of albendazole.