The use of mebendazole in the treatment of filariases due to Loa loa and Mansonella perstans

Ann Trop Med Parasitol. 1987 Jun;81(3):275-82. doi: 10.1080/00034983.1987.11812120.

Abstract

Patients harbouring Loa loa and/or Mansonella perstans infections, or presenting typical filarial symptomatology, were treated with mebendazole, a drug shown to be efficient in other parasitoses. Of the patients who took the drug during 21 days and provided regular blood samples, 84% showed a significant decrease in their L. loa microfilaraemia and 100% in their M. perstans microfilaraemia, with a concomitant improvement in the clinical manifestations and no side reaction to drug administration. Additionally, the long-lasting effect of the drug (up to day 200 in some cases) may suggest a positive action on the adult worm. Mebendazole may consequently be regarded as a safer alternative to diethylcarbamazine for the treatment of these two parasitoses.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Filariasis / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Loiasis / blood
  • Loiasis / drug therapy*
  • Loiasis / parasitology
  • Mansonelliasis / blood
  • Mansonelliasis / drug therapy*
  • Mansonelliasis / parasitology
  • Mebendazole / therapeutic use*
  • Microfilariae / isolation & purification
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Mebendazole