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Effect of single-dose albendazole and single-dose mebendazole on Necator americanus
P Nontasut1, V Singhasivanon, V Prarinyanuparp
1Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Albendazole (400 mg) demonstrated superior efficacy compared to mebendazole (600 mg) in treating Necator americanus hookworm infections in children. This single-dose treatment offers a promising solution for mass deworming in endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Tropical Medicine
- Parasitology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hookworm infections, particularly Necator americanus, pose a significant health burden in endemic areas, affecting child populations.
- Mass deworming programs are crucial for controlling soil-transmitted helminthiasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of single-dose albendazole versus mebendazole for treating Necator americanus hookworm infection in children.
- To evaluate cure rates and egg reduction rates for both anthelmintic treatments.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 102 children aged 6-14 years with confirmed Necator americanus infection.
- Group I received albendazole (400 mg single dose); Group II received mebendazole (600 mg single dose).
- Stool examinations using Kato-Katz and Harada-Mori techniques were performed on days 14, 21, and 28 post-treatment to assess cure.
Main Results:
- Albendazole achieved a significantly higher cure rate (64%) compared to mebendazole (11%) (p < 0.05).
- Both drugs showed high egg reduction rates: 98% for albendazole and 95% for mebendazole.
- Mild, transient side effects like nausea and headache were reported in both treatment groups.
Conclusions:
- Single-dose albendazole (400 mg) is more effective than single-dose mebendazole (600 mg) for mass treatment of Necator americanus hookworm infection.
- Albendazole represents a superior therapeutic option for controlling hookworm in endemic pediatric populations.
- Further research may explore optimal dosing strategies and long-term outcomes.
Abstract:
One hundred two children (43 males and 59 females) aged 6 to 14 years with positive stool examination by Kato-Katz and/or Harada-Mori culture techniques for N. americanus, were randomly divided into two groups. Group I with 48 children were treated with a single dose albendazole, 400 mg. Group II, 54 children, received a single dose mebendazole, 600 mg. After treatment, repeated stool examination was performed on Day 14, Day 21 and Day 28. The children were considered cured when stool examination was negative on all three occasions by both methods. The cure rate was 64% in Group I and 11% in Group II. The difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.05). The eggs reduction rate was 98% in Group I and 95% in Group II. Mild and transient side effects such as nausea, dizziness and headache were observed in both groups. Albendazole, 400 mg, as a single dose treatment was shown to be superior to mebendazole, 600 mg, single dose for the mass treatment of hookworm infection, especially that of Necator americanus, in an endemic area.