Abstract

In Girei Local Government, a study is being carried out to determine and compare the efficacy of different anthelmintics (Albendazole and Levamisole) against intestinal helminths in naturally infected school-aged children. The study compared cure rates (CR) and egg reduction rates (ERR) for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm infections using disintegration and dissolving testing as well as a randomized clinical trial. About 180 school-aged children were placed into two intervention groups, each with 90 children: the first was given albendazole and the second was given levamisole. Faecal samples are taken on day 0 prior to therapy and on day 7 following treatment. The Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) and cure rates are used to test the efficacy of each anthelmintic. Albendazole (94.4 percent) was much more effective against A. lumbricoides. Albendazole had a greater CR than levamisole (80.5%), but an ERR of 74.4 percent compared to 69.9% for those treated with levamisole. Albendazole has a substantially lesser effect on T. trichiura (CR 47 percent, ERR 42.4 percent). Albendazole outperformed Levamisole in A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura co-infections (CR 52.7 percent, ERR 71.9 percent), while Levamisole outperformed Albendazole in T. trichiura and hookworm co-infections (CR 50.0 percent, ERR 67.5 percent). The study found that albendazole was more successful than levamisole in treating Ascaris and hookworm, but that it was less effective in treating T. trichiura. The efficacy of various anthelmintics (Albendazole and Levamisole) against intestinal helminths in naturally infected schoolchildren is being investigated. It is therefore recommended, that Albendazole drugs should be used in the treatment of Ascaris and hookworm for both single and double infections while levamisole be used treatment and deworming of T. trichiura respectively.