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Mepacrine therapy in niclosamide resistant taeniasis
1Department of Internal Medicine, Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Srinagar, Kashmir.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|March 29, 2001
Summary
Mepacrine (quinacrine) effectively treats niclosamide-resistant Taenia saginata infections in humans. This safe and inexpensive drug demonstrated high efficacy and tolerability in clinical trials for tapeworm eradication.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Taenia saginata infections can become resistant to standard treatments like niclosamide.
- Alternative therapeutic options are needed for persistent tapeworm infestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness and safety of mepacrine (quinacrine) in patients with Taenia saginata infections resistant to niclosamide.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-six patients with niclosamide-resistant Taenia saginata were treated with 1g of quinacrine.
- Patients were monitored for worm passage, egg counts, and egg viability for 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- 94.2% of patients expelled the tapeworm within 72 hours.
- Significant reduction in egg counts and viability was observed, with only one relapse.
- Minor gastrointestinal side effects were manageable.
Conclusions:
- Quinacrine is a safe, cost-effective, and well-tolerated treatment for niclosamide-resistant Taenia saginata.
- It offers a viable alternative for refractory tapeworm cases.