Albendazole as an alternative therapeutic agent for childhood giardiasis in Turkey


YERELİ K., BALCIOĞLU İ. C., ERTAN P., Limoncu E., ONAĞ A. O.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection, vol.10, no.6, pp.527-529, 2004 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 10 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/j.1198-743x.2004.00829.x
  • Journal Name: Clinical Microbiology and Infection
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.527-529
  • Keywords: albendazole, Giardia lamblia, giardiasis, therapy
  • Manisa Celal Bayar University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The efficacy of albendazole for the treatment of giardiasis has been indicated by previous in-vitro and in-vivo studies. In order to compare the therapeutic efficacy of albendazole and metronidazole, 107 Giardia-positive children (aged 3-15 years), diagnosed by three consecutive positive stool examinations, were enrolled in the study. Of these children, 52 were given a single daily dose of albendazole 10 mg/kg for 5 days, and 55 were given metronidazole 20 mg/kg daily in three doses for 7 days. Parasite eradication was achieved in 47 (90.4%) of 52 children treated with albendazole and 49 (89.1%) of 55 children treated with metronidazole (p > 0.05). These results suggest that albendazole is an effective treatment option for childhood giardiasis. © 2004 Copyright by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.