An intervention study using thiabendazole suspension against Strongyloides fuelleborni-like infections in Papua New Guinea

In an isolated rural community in Papua New Guinea, 88 children were found to be infected with Strongyloides cf. fuelleborni; 50 of these also had hookworm infections. Their ages ranged from one to 124 months and all were treated with thiabendazole suspension, 25 mg/kg twice daily for 3 days. 2 patients with Strongyloides and 5 with hookworm were still passing ova 2 weeks after treatment although their egg counts were lower or the same as the pre-treatment counts. 26 children experienced some side effects from the drug, vomiting being the most common; in none did side effects prevent completion of therapy. No association between Strongyloides egg load and nutritional status, hepatosplenomegaly, respiratory ailments, oedema or serum albumin levels was found.