Albendazole treatment in human taeniasis.

Dirección de Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras.

The results are presented of albendazole trials on human taeniasis infections in Honduras, involving 56 of 68 individuals (2% of the inhabitants) found to be infected during surveys conducted in 15 rural communities. Of the 3 methods used for diagnosis of infection, the Kato cellophane thick smear showed 80% reliability, a combination of Kato and 'Scotch' tape perianal swab 88%, and clinical history of proglottid expulsion less than 50%. Individuals were treated with a dose of 400 mg of albendazole per day for 3 d, followed for 5 d to verify tapeworm expulsion, and evaluated again at 60 and 90 d to assess drug efficacy. All 56 treated individuals remained stool-negative after 60 and 90 d; a partial strobila or segments were recovered from 21 of them (37.5%). Of these, Taenia saginata was identified from 4, and T. solium from 15; 2 specimens could not be specifically identified. Based on negative stool examinations and clinical history after 60 and 90 d, albendazole seems to be a well tolerated, very effective drug for treating infections with Taenia spp. However, confirmation of these results is needed due to the difficulty of making a reliable diagnosis of such infections.

PMID: 1780999 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]