[Imidazoles in larval cestode infections].

The authors report the evaluation of therapeutic efficiency of imidazole derivatives (flubendazole and mebendazole) against human larval cestoda. 31 patients were treated: 28 had hydatid cysts, 2 had alveolar echinococcosis, and 1 had cerebral cysticercosis. Results after several months follow-up (up to 6 years) show an arrest in development of lesions and absence of development of new cyst after leakage of hydatid fluid. Although interpretation of such results is difficult, imidazole derivatives seem efficient in high dosages (100 mg/kg), given over 1 or 2 years, without side effects.