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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2016Strongyloidiasis is a gut infection with Strongyloides stercoralis which is common world wide. Chronic infection usually causes a skin rash, vomiting, diarrhoea or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Strongyloidiasis is a gut infection with Strongyloides stercoralis which is common world wide. Chronic infection usually causes a skin rash, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, and respiratory problems, and it can be fatal in people with immune deficiency. It may be treated with ivermectin or albendazole or thiabendazole.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of ivermectin versus benzimidazoles (albendazole and thiabendazole) for treating chronic strongyloides infection.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register (24 August 2015); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), published in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE (January 1966 to August 2015); EMBASE (January 1980 to August 2015); LILACS (August 2015); and reference lists of articles. We also searched the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) using 'strongyloid*' as a search term, reference lists, and conference abstracts.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials of ivermectin versus albendazole or thiabendazole for treating chronic strongyloides infection.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias in the included trials. We used risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and fixed- or random-effects models. We pooled adverse event data if the trials were sufficiently similar in their adverse event definitions.
MAIN RESULTS
We included seven trials, enrolling 1147 participants, conducted between 1994 and 2011 in different locations (Africa, Southeast Asia, America and Europe).In trials comparing ivermectin with albendazole, parasitological cure was higher with ivermectin (RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.08; 478 participants, four trials, moderate quality evidence). There were no statistically significant differences in adverse events (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.09; 518 participants, four trials, low quality evidence).In trials comparing ivermectin with thiabendazole, there was little or no difference in parasitological cure (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.20; 467 participants, three trials, low quality evidence). However, adverse events were less common with ivermectin (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.50; 507 participants; three trials, moderate quality evidence).In trials comparing different dosages of ivermectin, taking a second dose of 200 μg/kg of ivermectin was not associated with higher cure in a small subgroup of participants (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.11; 94 participants, two trials).Dizziness, nausea, and disorientation were commonly reported in all drug groups. There were no reports of serious adverse events or death.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Ivermectin results in more people cured than albendazole, and is at least as well tolerated. In trials of ivermectin with thiabendazole, parasitological cure is similar but there are more adverse events with thiabendazole.
Topics: Albendazole; Animals; Anthelmintics; Humans; Ivermectin; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Strongyloides stercoralis; Strongyloidiasis; Thiabendazole
PubMed: 26778150
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007745.pub3 -
Revista Chilena de Infectologia :... Oct 2016Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis, which can be asymptomatic and means a high morbidity and mortality in...
Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis, which can be asymptomatic and means a high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts, severe malnutrition and coinfection with HTLV-1 virus. The parasite has the potential to produce and multiply internal autoinfection in humans, thus an hyperinfection can be developed. A case of pulmonary infection by this parasite is presented in this study, infection which advanced into a respiratory failure and required mechanical ventilation and hemodynamic support in an intensive care unit. The standard treatment combined with ivermectin and albendazole was provided, achieving an appropriate response.
Topics: Albendazole; Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Female; Humans; Ivermectin; Lung Diseases, Parasitic; Middle Aged; Strongyloides stercoralis; Strongyloidiasis
PubMed: 28112345
DOI: 10.4067/S0716-10182016000500016 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Jan 2015A review was carried out in Medline, LILACS and the Cochrane Library. Our database search strategy included the following terms: "hydatid cyst", "liver", "management",... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
A review was carried out in Medline, LILACS and the Cochrane Library. Our database search strategy included the following terms: "hydatid cyst", "liver", "management", "meta-analysis" and "randomized controlled trial". No language limits were used in the literature search. The latest electronic search date was the 7(th) of January 2014.
INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA
all relevant studies on the assessment of therapeutic methods for hydatid cysts of the liver were considered for analysis. Information from editorials, letters to publishers, low quality review articles and studies done on animals were excluded from analysis. Additionally, well-structured abstracts from relevant articles were selected and accepted for analysis. Standardized forms were designed for data extraction; two investigators entered the data on patient demographics, methodology, recurrence of HC, mean cyst size and number of cysts per group. Four hundred and fourteen articles were identified using the previously described search strategy. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria detailed above, 57 articles were selected for final analysis: one meta-analysis, 9 randomized clinical trials, 5 non-randomized comparative prospective studies, 7 non-comparative prospective studies, and 34 retrospective studies (12 comparative and 22 non-comparative). Our results indicate that antihelminthic treatment alone is not the ideal treatment for liver hydatid cysts. More studies in the literature support the effectiveness of radical treatment compared with conservative treatment. Conservative surgery with omentoplasty is effective in preventing postoperative complications. A laparoscopic approach is safe in some situations. Percutaneous drainage with albendazole therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for hydatid cysts of the liver. Radical surgery with pre- and post-operative administration of albendazole is the best treatment option for liver hydatid cysts due to low recurrence and complication rates.
Topics: Albendazole; Antiparasitic Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Drainage; Echinococcosis, Hepatic; Humans; Laparoscopy; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25574085
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.124 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Jan 2019
Topics: Adult; Albendazole; Animals; Anticestodal Agents; Back Pain; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus granulosus; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Spine
PubMed: 30652663
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0588 -
International Surgery Jan 2015Hydatid disease is caused by infection with the metacestode stage of Echinococcus tapeworms of the family Taeniidae. The primary carriers are dogs and wolves, and humans... (Review)
Review
Hydatid disease is caused by infection with the metacestode stage of Echinococcus tapeworms of the family Taeniidae. The primary carriers are dogs and wolves, and humans are accidental hosts that do not contribute to the normal life cycle of this organism. The liver is the most commonly involved organ in the body by cystic echinococcosis (CE) secondary to infection with Echinococcus granulosus . Management options for CE should depend on the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic classification. Small (<5 cm) WHO stage CE1 and CE3a cysts may be primarily treated with benzimidazoles; the first-choice drug is albendazole. In some situations the combination of albendazole and praziquantel may be preferred. Chemotherapy with a benzimidazole or albendazole plus praziquantel is also used as adjunctive treatment to surgery and percutaneous treatment. Drug treatments have been the indispensable therapeutic modalities for cystic echinococcosis.
Topics: Albendazole; Animals; Anthelmintics; Benzimidazoles; Drug Therapy, Combination; Echinococcosis, Hepatic; Echinococcus granulosus; Humans; Praziquantel; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25594649
DOI: 10.9738/INTSURG-D-14-00068.1 -
Clinical Microbiology Reviews Apr 2016Baylisascaris procyonis, the raccoon roundworm, infects a wide range of vertebrate animals, including humans, in which it causes a particularly severe type of larva... (Review)
Review
Baylisascaris procyonis, the raccoon roundworm, infects a wide range of vertebrate animals, including humans, in which it causes a particularly severe type of larva migrans. It is an important cause of severe neurologic disease (neural larva migrans [NLM]) but also causes ocular disease (OLM; diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis [DUSN]), visceral larva migrans (VLM), and covert/asymptomatic infections. B. procyonis is common and widespread in raccoons, and there is increasing recognition of human disease, making a clinical consideration of baylisascariasis important. This review provides an update for this disease, especially its clinical relevance and diagnosis, and summarizes the clinical cases of human NLM and VLM known to date. Most diagnosed patients have been young children less than 2 years of age, although the number of older patients diagnosed in recent years has been increasing. The recent development of recombinant antigen-based serodiagnostic assays has aided greatly in the early diagnosis of this infection. Patients recovering with fewer severe sequelae have been reported in recent years, reinforcing the current recommendation that early treatment with albendazole and corticosteroids should be initiated at the earliest suspicion of baylisascariasis. Considering the seriousness of this zoonotic infection, greater public and medical awareness is critical for the prevention and early treatment of human cases.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Albendazole; Animals; Anthelmintics; Ascaridida Infections; Ascaridoidea; Humans; Infant; Raccoons; Serologic Tests; Zoonoses
PubMed: 26960940
DOI: 10.1128/CMR.00044-15 -
Revista Espanola de Enfermedades... Aug 2016Strongyloides has been shown to infrequently mimic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or to disseminate when a patient with IBD and unrecognized strongyloides is treated...
INTRODUCTION
Strongyloides has been shown to infrequently mimic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or to disseminate when a patient with IBD and unrecognized strongyloides is treated with immunosupression.
CASE REPORT
A man from Ecuador, living in Spain for years, with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and psoriasis treated with topical corticosteroids, was admitted to the hospital with an 8-month history of diarrhoea. Blood tests showed hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, elevated CRP and faecal calprotectin. Colonoscopy suggested IBD. The patient improved with steroids, pending biopsy results, and he was discharged. Biopies were compatible with IBD, but careful examination revealed strongyloides. He was given a prescription of albendazole. He had to be readmitted due to SIADH, which resolved with fluid restriction. Upon discharge albendazole was prescribed again. The patient skipped most of the out-patient-clinic visits. He returned a year later on 10 mg/week methotrexate, asymptomatic, with 20% eosinophilia, and admitting he had never taken the strongyloides treatment for economical reasons. He then received a week of oral albendazol at the hospital. Biopsies and blood cell count were afterwards normal (eosinophils 3.1%) and serology for strongyloides antibodies was negative.
DISCUSSION
This case is of interest for four rarely concurring reasons. It´s a worm infection that mimics IBD; the infection was diagnosed by colon biopsy; the infection caused a SIADH; and, most interestingly, even though the patient is on immunosupression, he remains asymptomatic.
Topics: Adult; Albendazole; Anthelmintics; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Inappropriate ADH Syndrome; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Male; Strongyloidiasis
PubMed: 26634698
DOI: 10.17235/reed.2015.3847/2015 -
PloS One 2022In Malaysia, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections still persist among indigenous communities. In the past, local studies have focused mostly on epidemiologic...
In Malaysia, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections still persist among indigenous communities. In the past, local studies have focused mostly on epidemiologic aspects of STH infections with a scarcity of information on the efficacy of deworming treatment. The present study consisted of 2 phases: a cross-sectional phase on current epidemiological status and risk factors of STH infections and a longitudinal study over 6 weeks on triple dose albendazole efficacy against STH infections. A total of 253 participants were recruited at baseline and a pre-tested questionnaire was administered to obtain information on socio-demographics, environmental and behavioural risk factors. Stool samples were evaluated using a modified Kato-Katz technique. Cure rate (CR) and egg reduction rate (ERR) were assessed at 3 weeks following a 3-day course of 400mg albendazole treatment and infection status were observed again at 6 weeks. Baseline positivity of trichuriasis, ascariasis and hookworm infections were 56.1%, 11.9% and 20.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed age below 18 years old (P = 0.004), without latrine in house (P = 0.042) and indiscriminate defecation (P = 0.032) were associated with STH infections. In the longitudinal study (N = 89), CR for trichuriasis was 64.6%, while CR of 100% was observed for both ascariasis and hookworm. ERR was above 90% for all three STH species. A rapid increased of Trichuris trichiura egg output was observed at 6 weeks. In conclusion, STH infections are highly prevalent among indigenous communities. Children and teenagers, poor sanitation and hygiene behaviour were determinants for STH infections. Triple dose albendazole is found to be efficacious against Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm infections but has moderate curative effect with high ERR against T. trichiura. Although triple dose albendazole regimen has logistic challenges and may not be a routine option, consideration of this treatment regime may still be necessary in selective communities to reduce high intensity of T. trichiura infection.
Topics: Adolescent; Albendazole; Animals; Anthelmintics; Ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feces; Helminthiasis; Hookworm Infections; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Soil; Trichuriasis; Trichuris
PubMed: 35960935
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272821 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2020Ascaris lumbricoides is a common infection, and mainly affects children living in low-income areas. Water and sanitation improvement, health education, and drug... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ascaris lumbricoides is a common infection, and mainly affects children living in low-income areas. Water and sanitation improvement, health education, and drug treatment may help break the cycle of transmission, and effective drugs will reduce morbidity.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the efficacy and safety of anthelmintic drugs (albendazole, mebendazole, ivermectin) for treating people with Ascaris infection.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Disease Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, three other databases, and reference lists of included studies, without language restrictions, up to 4 July 2019.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials (RCT) that compared albendazole, mebendazole, and ivermectin in children and adults with confirmed Ascaris infection.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data from the included trials. A third review author checked the quality of data extraction. We used the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' assessment tool to determine the risk of bias in included trials. We used risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare dichotomous outcomes in treatment and control groups. We used the fixed-effect model for studies with low heterogeneity and the random-effects model for studies with moderate to high heterogeneity. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. We used the control rate average to provide illustrative cure rates in the comparison groups.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 30 parallel-group RCTs, which enrolled 6442 participants from 17 countries across Africa, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean, and South America. Participants were from 28 days to 82 years of age, recruited from school, communities, and health facilities. Twenty studies were funded or co-funded by manufacturers, while 10 studies were independent of manufacturer funding. Twenty-two trials had a high risk of bias for one or two domains (blinding, incomplete outcome data, selective reporting). Single dose of albendazole (four trials), mebendazole (three trials) or ivermectin (one trial) was compared to placebo. Parasitological cure at 14 to 60 days was high in all the studies (illustrative cure of 93.0% in the anthelmintic group and 16.1% in the placebo group; RR 6.29, 95% CI 3.91 to 10.12; 8 trials, 1578 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Single dose of albendazole is as effective as multiple doses of albendazole (illustrative cure of 93.2% with single dose, 94.3% with multiple doses; RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.05; 3 trials, 307 participants; high-certainty evidence); or as single dose of mebendazole (illustrative cure of 98.0% with albendazole, 96.9% with mebendazole; RR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.02; 6 trials, 2131 participants; high-certainty evidence). Studies did not detect a difference between a single dose of albendazole and a single dose of ivermectin (cure rates of 87.8% with albendazole, 90.2% with ivermectin; RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.08; 3 trials, 519 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Across all the studies, failure after single dose of albendazole ranged from 0.0% to 30.3%, mebendazole from 0.0% to 22.2%, and ivermectin from 0.0% to 21.6%. The egg reduction rate (ERR) measured up to 60 days after the treatment was high in all treated groups, regardless of the anthelmintic used (range 96% to 100%). It was not possible to evaluate parasitological cure by classes of infection intensity. No included trials reported complication or serious adverse events. Other adverse events were apparently similar among the compared anthelmintic groups (moderate- to low-certainty evidence). The most commonly reported other adverse events were nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache, and fever.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Single-dose of albendazole, mebendazole, and ivermectin all appeared effective against Ascaris lumbricoides infection, yielding high parasitological cure and large reductions in eggs excreted, with no differences detected between them. The drugs appear to be safe to treat children and adults with confirmed Ascaris infection. There is little to choose between drugs and regimens in terms of cure or adverse events.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Albendazole; Animals; Anthelmintics; Ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Ivermectin; Mebendazole; Middle Aged; Parasite Egg Count; Placebos; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Young Adult
PubMed: 32289194
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010599.pub2 -
Drug Safety Aug 2022School-based preventive chemotherapy (Deworming) with praziquantel and albendazole to control and eliminate schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths as public...
Safety of Praziquantel and Albendazole Coadministration for the Control and Elimination of Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminths Among Children in Rwanda: An Active Surveillance Study.
INTRODUCTION
School-based preventive chemotherapy (Deworming) with praziquantel and albendazole to control and eliminate schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths as public health problems is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Safety monitoring during mass drug administration (MDA) is imperative but data from sub-Saharan Africa are scarce.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this active safety surveillance study was to identify the incidence, type, severity, and risk factors for adverse events (AEs) following mass administration of praziquantel and albendazole.
METHODS
Overall, 8037 school children aged 5-15 years in Rwanda were enrolled. Baseline sociodemographic, medical history and any pre-existing clinical symptoms were recorded. Participants received a single dose of praziquantel and albendazole during MDA. AEs were actively monitored on days 1, 2, and 7 post MDA.
RESULTS
Overall, 3196 AEs were reported by 1658 children; 91.3%, 8.4%, and 0.3% of the AEs were mild, moderate, and severe, respectively, and most resolved within 3 days. Headache (21%), dizziness or fainting (15.2 %), nausea (12.8%) and stomach pain (12.2%) were the most common AEs. The overall cumulative incidence of experiencing at least one type of AE was 20.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 19.7-21.5%), being significantly higher (p < 0.001) in children with pre-MDA clinical events (27.5%, 95% CI 25.4-29.6%) than those without (18.7%, 95% CI 17.7-19.7%). Females, older age, having pre-MDA events, types of food taken before MDA and taking two or more praziquantel tablets were significant predictors of AEs.
CONCLUSIONS
Praziquantel and albendazole MDA is safe and well-tolerated; however, one in five children experience transient mild to moderate, and in few cases severe, AEs. The incidence of AEs varies significantly between sex and age groups. Pharmacovigilance in the MDA program is recommended for timely detection and management of AEs.
Topics: Albendazole; Animals; Anthelmintics; Child; Female; Helminths; Humans; Praziquantel; Rwanda; Schistosomiasis; Soil; Watchful Waiting
PubMed: 35819751
DOI: 10.1007/s40264-022-01201-3