title: Double-blind test of metronidazole and tinidazole in the treatment of asymptomatic Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba hartmanni carriers.
abstract: One hundred and fifteen persons with asymptomatic Entamoeba histolytica or E. hartmanni infection, or both, were given metronidazole (750 mg three times daily for 5 days), tinidazole (1 g twice daily on 2 consecutive days), or a starch placebo. Three post-treatment stools were examined in the 2 weeks following initiation of treatment. Cysts of E. histolytica reappeared in the stools of 37% of 30 given metronidazole, 62% of 34 given tinidazole, and 70% of 31 given placebo. Cysts of E. hartmanni reappeared in the stools of 46% of 24 given metronidazole, 69% of 16 given tinidazole, and 90% of 10 given placebo. Rapid absorption and short duration of treatment make both drugs ineffective for the treatment of ameba carriers.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000562:Amebiasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002353:Carrier State / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004747:Entamoeba; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica; D004749:Entamoebiasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009593:Nitroimidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014011:Tinidazole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D009593:Nitroimidazoles; D014011:Tinidazole; D008795:Metronidazole