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Albendazole in the treatment of intestinal helminthiasis in children
Insights
Albendazole is a safe and effective single-dose treatment for common intestinal helminth infections in children. This study shows high cure rates, supporting its use in community-wide mass therapy programs.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Parasitology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Intestinal helminth infections are common in children.
- Albendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of albendazole in treating intestinal helminth infections in children.
- To determine the optimal dosage regimen for different helminth species.
Main Methods:
- A clinical trial involving 116 children aged 2-15 years with confirmed helminth infections.
- Albendazole administered as a single 400-mg dose, with a 3-day regimen for Hymenolepis nana infections.
- Stool examinations conducted on days 7 and 14 posttreatment, and after three months for Taenia infections.
Main Results:
- High cure rates observed: ascariasis (91.9%), Ancylostoma duodenale ancylostomiasis (87.2%), and Hymenolepis nana infection (71.4%).
- Albendazole was well-tolerated with no significant hematological or blood chemistry abnormalities.
- Single-dose albendazole demonstrated significant efficacy against common helminthic infections.
Conclusions:
- Albendazole is a safe and effective treatment for common pediatric helminth infections.
- The drug's favorable safety profile and efficacy support its consideration for mass deworming campaigns.
- Single-dose albendazole therapy is a viable option for community-based treatment strategies.
Abstract:
One hundred sixteen children between 2 and 15 years of age entered a clinical trial of albendazole after examination of their stools revealed ova of one or more intestinal helminths. The drug was administered as a single 400-mg dose (20 ml of 2% suspension) to all the patients except those having Hymenolepis nana infection, who received treatment for three consecutive days. The stools were reexamined on days 7 and 14 posttreatment and after three months for Taenia infections. Patients were considered cured if all parasitological examinations of the feces were negative after treatment. After a single oral dose, albendazole was highly effective in ascariasis (91.9%), ancylostomiasis caused by Ancylostoma duodenale (87.2%), and H nana infection (71.4%). The drug was well tolerated, and no abnormalities were observed in hematological or blood chemistry values. Since the drug is safe and effective as a single-dose treatment of common helminthic infections, it should be considered for mass therapy in the community.