ON A NEW TREATMENT REGIMEN WITH THIABENDAZOLE AGAINST ANCYLOSTOMA DUODENALE

Abstract

The anthelmintic activity of thiabendazole syrup against Ancylostoma duodenale was investigated. Hookworm carriers (192) from the inhabitants of a village in Yamanashi Prefecture were treated under three dosage schedules. Before and after the administration, for the purpose of assessment, fecal examinations were performed by the thick smear method, the brine floatation method and quantitative direct smear method. Side effects were checked by direct questioning as well as the questionaire done for successive days. The negative conversion rates of eggs in feces were 52% with a single dose of 50mg/kg, 63% with 25mg/kg twice daily and 85% with 25mg/kg twice daily for two days. The negative conversion rates were 72%, 77% and 96%, in the order mentioned above, in the group of the light infestation, 44%, 74% and 82% in the moderate infestation group, and 17%, 100% (3/3) and 68% in the heavy infestation group. Main side effects were dizziness and fatigue which appeared in 33% and 13% of the patients, respectively, with a single dose of 50mg/kg. These side effects reduced markedly with 25mg/kg twice daily. However, it increased with 25mg/kg twice daily for two days.