Preliminary report on long term cure of schistosomiasis using metrifonate (Bilarcil/Dipterex)--a new antischistosomal drug.

Twenty patients aged between 7 and 19 years with confirmed vesical schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma haematobium were treated with Metrifonate (Dipterex, Bilarcil) orally on a single dose of 7.5 mg/kg body weight repeated at fortnightly intervals until egg excretion ceased. This was achieved with a maximum of three doses. No symptoms of toxicity or significant side effects were observed. Four patients remained symptom free of the infection for up to three years after the initial treatment. These results suggest that Metrifonate (Bilarcil), a cheap, relatively non-toxic, orally administered and effective drug against Schistosoma haematobium, can be used successfully in the management of this crippling infection. They also suggest that, provided there is no re-exposure, the subjects can remain free of symptoms for more than three years.