Randomized comparative trial of two high-dose albendazole regimens for uncomplicated human strongyloidiasis

A randomized trial study was conducted comparing the efficacy of two high-dose regimens of albendazole for the treatment of uncomplicated human strongyloidiasis. Agar plate culture (APC) was used as an evaluation technique for coprological diagnosis. All 115 subjects infected with Strongyloides stercoralis from 7 provinces in northeastern Thailand were divided randomly into two groups. Regimen-1 group received albendazole 800 mg/day twice daily for 3 consecutive days, and regimen-2 group received the same dose for 5 consecutive days. For each regimen, the same treatment was repeated once 7 days later. Stools were parasitologically examined at 14 days, and 10 days after the second course of treatment, respectively. A coprological cure rate of 87.9% (51/58) was obtained in the regimen-1 group, with 89.5% (51/57) in the regimen-2 group, which was not statistically significantly different (P = 0.794). The mild adverse effects were not statistically different between the two groups, at 8.6% and 8.8%, respectively (P = 0.977). We therefore suggest albendazole treatment using regimen 1 should be recommended. However, the use of new effective drugs should be considered, especially in hyperinfective strongyloidiasis.