Amicarbadile in East Coast Fever

Abstract

Amicarbalide isethionate* (3: 3' diamidinocarbanalide di-isethionate) is a useful drug for the treatment of Babesia divergens infection (Ashley, Berg & Lucas, 1960; Beveridge, Thwaite & Shepherd. 1960). Shone, Wells & Waller (1961), concluded that amicarbalide possessed advantages over phenamidine isethionate for the treatment of Babesia bigemina infection in cattle. It can, therefore, be anticipated that the compound will soon be available in Africa for the treatment of red water in cattle due to infection with B. higemina. Since most newly introduced babesicides and antimalarial drugs are immediately used for the treatment of field cases of East Coast fever, for which there is as yet no effective therapy, it is felt advisable that the following trial be reported.