Pyrimethamine-sulfonamide dosage and treatment duration recommendations for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis: findings from a retrospective

摘要

The most important aspect of therapy for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is antibiotics directed against the parasite. Additional treatment may also be necessary, including anti-inflammatory medication to eliminate inflammation of the affected nervous tissue, treatment of any secondary problems, and supplementation to offset any potential side effects of the antibiotic treatment. Antibiotic recommendations for EPM were originally proposed as empiric dosages of pyrimethamine, trimethoprim and sulfadiazine. The basis for these recommendations was the use of these drugs for treatment of malaria and toxoplasmosis in humans. Pyrimethamine, in combination with trimethoprim and either sulfadiazine or sulfamethoxazole, has been used with some success and gained widespread acceptance as the treatment of choice.