[Present status of the treatment of helminthiasis]

Infestation with intestinal parasites can now be controlled by several broad-spectrum compounds. These drugs are particularly useful against multiple intestinal parasites, as frequently found in tropical and subtropical countries, and are well suited to mass treatment. The introduction of oxamniquine and praziquantel constitutes a break through in the treatment of intestinal and urogenital schistosomiasis. Praziquantel also perfectly controls taeniasis, sometimes including its larval form (cysticercosis). Experience is too short to evaluate the effectiveness of benzimidazoles (notably albendazole), administered post-operatively or alone when surgery is contra-indicated, in the treatment of hepatic or alveolar hydatid disease. Better drugs are needed to treat Fasciola hepatica infestation or to control onchocerciasis and other diseases due to filariae.