A preliminary trial of nifurtimox in the treatment of onchocerciasis.
Nifurtimox tablets were given at a dose of 15-20 mg per kg bodyweight daily for 5 days to 14 patients with onchocerciasis in the savanna of Cameroon. In general the therapy was well tolerated. During the course there were no clinical signs of microfilaricidal effects. 6 patients were re-examined after an interval of 8 months. The microfilarial load had decreased in 3 patients, while it was unchanged in 2, and increased in the last. There was no improvement in ocular lesions. These preliminary results suggest a possible effect on the adult parasite, and further trials are justified.
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000867:Anterior Chamber / Q000469:parasitology; D002163:Cameroon; D002648:Child; D003315:Cornea / Q000469:parasitology; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009547:Nifurtimox / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009581:Nitrofurans / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009854:Onchocerca / Q000187:drug effects; D009855:Onchocerciasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000469:parasitology; D012867:Skin / Q000469:parasitology; D013607:Tablets
D009581:Nitrofurans; D013607:Tablets; D009547:Nifurtimox