Evaluation of the treatment of intestinal helminthiases with albendazole in Djohong (North Cameroon).

246 inhabitants of Djohong, a township located in North-east Cameroon, presented with single or mixed nematode infections. They were treated by 400 mg albendazole in a single dose. The results were evaluated either with the Kato thick-smear technique and the Ritchie technique on stools and/or the Graham test: albendazole has proved to be 100% efficacious in pinworm and roundworm treatment, 63% to 84% in hookworm treatment (difference due to the type of technique used). Albendazole showed a mean efficacy in whipworm treatment (about 50% cure rate). In case of residual worm infection, the egg count is reduced from 80% to 90% which is of the utmost importance. The relative treatment failures occurring with large worm load. This systematic treatment of a whole population considerably reduces the spread of nematode eggs over the soil (18-fold for Nector americanus, 10-fold for Trichuris trichiura). This broad spectrum anthelmintic is strongly recommended in mass treatments for its efficacy and excellent tolerance, as its ovicide action reduces the probability of fecal pollution of the environment by treated patients who have residual parasites.