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Mebendazole (R 17635) in enterobiasis. A clinical trial in mental retardates
Abstract:
The efficacy of mebendazole against enterobiasis was tested on 150 institutionalized mental retardates (range 5-25 years). At the start of the trial all patients swallowed on tablet containing 100 mg mebendazole. Another tablet was administered to all patients 2 weeks and 1, 2 and 3 months later. 19 patients were further treated with one tablet 4 and 5 months after the start of the trial. The presence of E. vermicularis was checked with cellophane adhesive tapes from the anal skin and from the right-hand finger-tips before the trial and after 1, 3 and 6 months. 94 subjects were positive before the trial. At the first post-treatment examination, all patients were found negative. However, 12% were reinfected. No side effects were observed or reported.
Insights
Mebendazole effectively treated enterobiasis in institutionalized individuals. While initial treatment eliminated pinworms, some reinfection occurred over six months, with no adverse effects observed.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Enterobiasis, commonly known as pinworm infection, is a prevalent intestinal nematode infection.
- Institutionalized populations are at higher risk for parasitic infections due to close living quarters.
- Mebendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug used to treat various helminth infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of mebendazole in treating enterobiasis among institutionalized individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- To assess the recurrence rate of enterobiasis following mebendazole treatment in this population.
- To monitor for any adverse effects associated with mebendazole administration.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 150 institutionalized individuals (ages 5-25) with enterobiasis was treated with mebendazole (100 mg tablets).
- Treatment involved multiple doses administered over five months.
- Enterobius vermicularis infection was diagnosed using cellophane tape tests from the perianal region and fingertips before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Prior to treatment, 94 out of 150 subjects (62.7%) tested positive for Enterobius vermicularis.
- Following the initial mebendazole treatment, all patients tested negative for pinworms.
- A 12% reinfection rate was observed within the six-month follow-up period, with no reported side effects.
Conclusions:
- Mebendazole demonstrates high initial efficacy in eradicating enterobiasis in institutionalized individuals.
- The study highlights the potential for reinfection in such settings, necessitating ongoing monitoring and potentially adjusted treatment protocols.
- Mebendazole is a safe and well-tolerated treatment option for enterobiasis, even with prolonged administration in vulnerable populations.