Effect of albendazole and mebendazole on soil-transmitted helminth eggs

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Tropical Medicine
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) are a significant public health concern, particularly in endemic areas like Thailand.
• Primary school children are a vulnerable population frequently infected with STH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of albendazole and mebendazole in treating STH infections in children.
• To evaluate the ovicidal effects of these anthelmintics on helminth eggs.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving primary school children in an STH-endemic region of Thailand.
• Infected children were treated with either a single dose of albendazole (400mg) or mebendazole (100mg) twice daily for 3 days.
• Stool samples were analyzed post-treatment to assess cure rates and egg morphology.

Main Results:

• Both albendazole and mebendazole achieved 100% cure rates for Ascaris infections.
• Albendazole treatment initially increased Trichuris egg counts and altered egg morphology.
• Both drugs demonstrated incomplete ovicidal effects on Trichuris and Ascaris eggs, with viable embryos observed.
• Albendazole stimulated hookworm females to release more eggs, but both drugs had a complete ovicidal effect on hookworm eggs from the second bowel movement.

Conclusions:

• Albendazole and mebendazole are effective against adult Ascaris and hookworm infections.
• The ovicidal effect of these drugs on Trichuris and Ascaris eggs is incomplete, suggesting potential for continued transmission.
• Further research into the ovicidal mechanisms and development of more effective treatments is warranted.