[Management of taeniasis: comparative evaluation of osmotic non-oily purgatives]

The therapeutic protocol in taeniasis associates an anthelmintic drug and a pro-expulsive purgative. The purgative impeds intestinal disaggregation of the worm, facilitating the identification of the species of Taenia and preventing the risk of cysticercosis in case of T. solium infection.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of two non-oily purgatives (magnesia usta MU and a lactulose derivative DL) using as anti-parasitic drug exclusively Praziquantel (PZQ), in order to update the treatment of human taeniasis.

Regardless the purgative used, cestode shedding rate was of 100% fractionated, with easy to identify cysticerci, but with seldom recognizable scolex. Expulsion is rapid, up to 3 hours with DL and maximum 6 hours for MU, being perceived as uncomfortable, but without major intolerance. Egg shedding following expulsion may be prolonged up to 48 hours, with a significant risk for the patient and the community if T. solium infection. The onset of non-specific post-taeniasis entero-colonic disease was signalled as possible functional sequel.

The treatment formula for taeniasis with PZQ and an non-oily purgative (preferably DL, yet also MU as cheaper option) ensures rapid and safe expulsion of the worm, allowing meanwhile the morphological diagnostic of species. Controlled expulsion of the taenia demands specialised surveillance in hospital.