Difetarsone (‘Bemarsal’) and other Anthelminthic Drugs in the Treatment of Trichuris trichiura (Whipworm) Infestation in a Subnormality Hospital

The incidence of Trichuris trichiura infestation in the United Kingdom appears to be particularly high in hospitals for the mentally subnormal (Lynch et al., 1972) and amongst immigrant children (Thompson et al., 1972). Whether or not these, mainly light to moderate, infestations are harmful appears to be in doubt, but in view of the recommendations of the WHO Expert Committee (1964), the possibility of spread of the infestation to ward attendants, and the publicity (Western Mail, 1970) which may attend attempts to eliminate the parasite from the environment of a subnormality hospital, treatment is desirable if not obligatory.