Effectiveness of single-dose albendazole against soil-transmitted helminth infection in children: A longitudinal study in a tribal dominated district of Odisha, India.

Background & objectives Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, primarily caused by Ascarislum bricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Ancyclostoma duodenale, significantly impact child growth and cognitive development in endemic regions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a single 400 mg dose of albendazole in treating STH infections among children aged 1-15 yr in Nabarangpur, Odisha, India, and to assess the influence of socio-demographic factors on treatment outcomes. Methods This longitudinal study included 1246 children across 18 clusters. Among them, 203 STH-positive children received albendazole, with stool samples collected on Days 14, 28, and 42 post-treatment. Egg counts were measured using the Kato-Katz method. Cure rates and egg reduction rates (ERR) were calculated, and repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the impact of schooling, gender, tribal status, and geography on treatment efficacy. Results Albendazole demonstrated high effectiveness in reducing egg counts, with an ERR of 96.2 per cent for A. lumbricoides and 93.8 per cent for A. duodenale. Cure rates were suboptimal, at 66.7 per cent and 52.94 per cent, respectively, falling below WHO-recommended thresholds. Gender and geographic location influenced baseline egg counts, with females and children in Nabarangpur showing higher initial burdens. Reductions were consistent across schooling and tribal groups. Interpretations & conclusions Although albendazole effectively reduced infection intensity, its lower cure rates for hookworms highlight the need for region-specific and gender-sensitive interventions. Integrating treatment with WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs and health education may improve long-term control. Monitoring resistance patterns and exploring combination therapies could further enhance treatment efficacy.