Albendazole for the treatment of human gnathostomiasis.

The efficacy of albendazole was investigated in 112 patients with symptomatic gnathostomiasis; 49 received 400 mg twice daily, 51 received 400 mg once daily, and 12 patients received placebo, all for 21 d. Subsequent follow-up was for 6 months. Cure (no further swelling) was seen in 93.9% and 94.1% of the treatment groups but in none of the placebo group. Additionally, reductions in eosinophil counts and in immunoglobulin G antibody were observed after treatment. Side effects were minimal. Albendazole may be an effective compound for the treatment of gnathostomiasis.