The effectiveness of triple-dose albendazole in comparison with mebendazole for the treatment of trichuriasis in children

Objective: Trichuriasis is difficult to treat with single-dose anthelmintic. Although a higher cure rate (CR) can be achieved by treatment with triple-dose albendazole and mebendazole, the results of studies are inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of triple-dose albendazole and mebendazole in treating trichuriasis. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a primary school in the Pandeglang District, Banten Province, Indonesia in July–August, 2018; 382 children were recruited. Stools were collected and examined microscopically using the Kato–Katz method to identify Trichuriasis eggs. Children positive for Trichuris trichiura were randomized and divided into two groups. One was given a triple dose of 400 mg albendazole and the other a triple dose of 500 mg mebendazole. On day 14 after treatment, stools were reexamined to calculate CR and the egg reduction rate (ERR). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infection was 42%, and that of trichuriasis and ascariasis was 25.1% and 29.8%. There was a significant difference (Wilcoxon test, P<0.01) in the intensity of infection before and after intervention. Both groups showed high values of CR (mebendazole: 95.2%, albendazole: 85.4%; Fisher’s exact test, P = 0.125) and ERR (mebendazole: 99%, albendazole: 96%; Mann–Whitney test, P = 0.110). There was no significant difference in CR and ERR between the two groups. Conclusion: Triple-dose albendazole was as effective as triple-dose mebendazole in treating trichuriasis.