Albendazole: a more effective antigiardial agent in vitro than metronidazole or tinidazole

Abstract

The effects of albendazole were assessed against Giardia duodenalis in vitro and compared with those of tinidazole and metronidazole. Trophozoite morphology, adherence and viability were markedly affected by albendazole, to a far greater extent than by either metronidazole or tinidazole. The results of this study, and in particular the superior potency of albendazole in vitro, are discussed with respect to its potential value as a new approach to the chemotherapy of giardiasis.