Soil-transmitted nematode infections and mebendazole treatment in Mafia Island schoolchildren
Authors: Albonico M.1; Ramsan M.2; Wright V.3; Jape K.2; Haji H.J.2; Taylor M.3; Savioli L.4; Bickle Q.3
Source: Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Volume 96, Number 7, October 2002 , pp. 717-726(10)
Publisher: Maney Publishing
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Abstract:
In August 2000, a cross-sectional study was performed to assess the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted nematode infections in schoolchildren on Mafia Island. Hookworm infection was widespread (72.5% prevalence) whereas Trichuris trichiura was less prevalent (39.7%) and Ascaris lumbricoides was present at a low prevalence (4.2%), mainly in urban areas. In a subsample of the study population, both Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale were found, although N. americanus was more prevalent. This survey was followed by a parasitological evaluation of mebendazole treatment using a single, 500-mg dose. The data on outcome were used for comparison with those from recent studies of similar treatment regimens in the neighbouring island of Pemba, Zanzibar, where periodic chemotherapy with mebendazole to schoolchildren has been implemented as part of a helminth-control programme since 1994. A higher efficacy of mebendazole against hookworm infection was found in Mafia Island (where a cure 'rate' of 31.3% and an egg-reduction 'rate' of 78.1% were recorded) when compared with that observed in Pemba Island, possibly indicating that hookworms may be developing mebendazole resistance on Pemba Island as a result of intense exposure to the drug there.Document Type: Original article
DOI: 10.1179/000349802125001942
Affiliations: 1: Ivo de Carneri Foundation, Via IV Marzo 14, 10122, Torino, Italy 2: Public Health Laboratory Ivo de Carneri, P.O. Box 122, Chake Chake, Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania 3: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, U.K. 4: Parasitic Diseases and Vector Control, World Health Organization, CH 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland
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