Anti-helmintic action of the hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

The action of H2O2 on helminth with poor degree of catalase
was already mentioned by BUTZ and LALAND (1934). SCHWARTZ and PORTER (1937) WHITNEY (1939), ARAUJO and MACHADO GUIMARÃES (1942), ARAUJO (1942),
and LASER (1944). The latter has demonstrated that the Ascaris lumbricoides dies in one hour in an atmosphere of O2, because of the forming hydrogen peroxide.
Our own investigations, trying to explain the action of
H2O2 on the canine helminthiasis, were done as follows:
A — Experiments in vitro:
1) Behavior of the helminths out of their habitat.
2) Behavior of the helminths when in contact with an 1% H2O2, 10 volumes, solution.
3) Behavior of the helminths when in contact with an 1% 10 volumes solution, with traces of potassium cyanide.
B — Half-quantitative searching of enzymes — catalase, redutase and peroxydase in the helminths.
C — Experiments in vivo:
1) Action of the 15% H2O2 10 volumes solution on the canine helminthiasis.
2) Action of the 15% H202 10 volumes solution with traces of potassium cyanide on the canine helminthiasis.