The promise and pitfalls of mass drug administration to control intestinal helminth infections.
OBJECTIVE
Intestinal helminth infections continue to cause significant morbidity in resource-limited settings. Recent efforts at global control have centered on mass drug administration (MDA) of praziquantel and benzimidazole anthelminthics to reduce the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted nematode infections, respectively. This review summarizes progress and potential challenges associated with MDA.


RESULTS
Data from studies conducted in endemic areas show that chemotherapeutic interventions can reduce prevalence and intensity of infection with intestinal helminths, and have the potential to reduce transmission within populations. However, consistent benefits in high-risk groups, including children and pregnant women, have not been established. The long-term benefits of MDA remain to be determined, and the potential for emerging resistance to impact effectiveness have not yet been defined.


CONCLUSIONS
Whereas studies evaluating MDA have shown benefit in certain populations, intensive monitoring and evaluation, as well as a commitment of resources for new drug development, are essential for long-term control or elimination of intestinal helminth infections.
Program in International Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Debbie
D
Humphries
Sara
S
Nguyen
Daniel
D
Boakye
Michael
M
Wilson
Michael
M
Cappello
D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D017281:Cost of Illness; D014943:Global Health; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic
D000871:Anthelmintics