A Clinical Trial of Thiabendazole in Strongyloidiasis

Abstract

Summary A clinical trial of thiabendazole (Mintezol®, Merck, Sharp & Dohme) in the treatment of 30 cases of strongyloidiasis was done. Clinical, hematologic, and parasitologic criteria were used to determine the effectiveness of treatment. Twenty-nine patients were followed for up to 6 months; most were examined two or three times. In all patients, Strongyloides infection was eradicated by a single course of treatment, 25 mg per kilogram of body weight, twice daily on 2 successive days. In all but two patients, clinical symptoms diminished or disappeared. Eosinophilia demonstrated before treatment in 23 patients (mean eosinophil rate, 15.0%) persisted 6 months later in only three patients (mean rate, 7.0%). Side-effects of the drug (most frequently, nausea) were recorded in 16 patients. In most instances all side-effects were mild and without much clinical significance.