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Necatoriasis: treatment and developmental therapeutics
1National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 7600-B Rockledge Drive, Room 2102, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. vg8q@nih.gov
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Hookworm infections cause anemia and developmental issues in children. This review examines therapies for necatoriasis, comparing mebendazole and albendazole efficacy and addressing drug resistance in Necator americanus.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Global Health
Background:
- Hookworm infections (Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale) affect ~1 billion people globally.
- Leading cause of iron-deficiency anemia in children, impacting growth and cognitive development.
- Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a common manifestation caused by nematode larvae, often Ancylostoma spp.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review the evolution of therapies for human necatoriasis.
- Discuss experimental infections with Necator americanus.
- Compare clinical efficacy of mebendazole and albendazole, including drug resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of therapeutic evolution for human necatoriasis.
- Analysis of experimental Necator americanus infection models.
- Comparative efficacy assessment of mebendazole and albendazole.
Main Results:
- Mebendazole and albendazole are primary treatments for hookworm infections.
- Variations in clinical efficacy between mebendazole and albendazole exist.
- Emerging drug resistance in Necator americanus is a growing concern.
Conclusions:
- Effective treatment and management strategies are crucial for hookworm infections.
- Understanding drug resistance is vital for future therapeutic development.
- Continued research into Necator americanus is needed to combat its impact.