Targeted chemotherapy for parasite infestations in rural black preschool children.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether targeted chemotherapy can reduce parasite prevalence rates in rural black preschool children.


METHODS
The study consisted of a before/after trial. Stool and urine samples were analysed on four occasions over a 21-week period.


METHODS
Crèches in two rural areas of southern KwaZulu/Natal (coastal and inland).


METHODS
Two hundred children of 4-6 years of age attending 19 crèches in the area.


METHODS
Targeted chemotherapy using albendazole for nematode infestations, praziquantel for trematode and cestode infestations and metronidazole for protozoal infections was administered twice at an interval of 14 weeks.


METHODS
Prevalence rates.


RESULTS
The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Necator americanus infestation decreased significantly after treatment. Reinfestation rates 12 weeks after treatment were 16% for A. lumbricoides, 33% for T. trichiura, 24% for Giardia lamblia and 3% for N. americanus. No reinfestation was noted for Schistosoma haematobium, Hymenolepsis or Taenia species.


CONCLUSIONS
The study suggests that parasite prevalence rates in children can be reduced by the administration of appropriate chemotherapy at regular intervals. However, the provision of clean water and adequate sewerage facilities remains a high priority for black communities living in rural areas of South Africa.
Department of Pharmacology, University of Durban-Westville.
M
M
Taylor
G
G
Pillai
J D
JD
Kvalsvig
D001741:Black or African American; D015766:Albendazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D044383:Black People; D002590:Cestode Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000208:ethnology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000208:ethnology; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000208:ethnology; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011528:Protozoan Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000208:ethnology; D012423:Rural Health; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D014201:Trematode Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000208:ethnology
D000977:Antiparasitic Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D011223:Praziquantel; D015766:Albendazole