Metrifonate trial in the treatment of various presentations ofSchistosoma haematobiumandS. mansoniinfections in the Sudan

Abstract

The effect of metrifonate (Bilarcil) on S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections was studied in 174 patients near Khartoum [Sudan]. A high cure rate was obtained in S. haematobium infections, but anthelmintic efficacy was minimal in patients passing S. mansoni eggs in their stools. There was a marked reduction of egg output in patients passing S. mansoni eggs in urine. This suggests that the site of infection in man, rather than the species of parasite, renders the parasite more susceptible to metrifonate. The significance of this and the possibility that these results clarify the mode of action of metrifonate are discussed.